Lexical Summary lampros: Bright, shining, splendid, radiant Original Word: λαμπρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bright, clear, white. From the same as lampas; radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance) -- bright, clear, gay, goodly, gorgeous, white. see GREEK lampas NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom lampó Definition bright NASB Translation bright (3), clear (1), fine (2), gorgeous (1), shining (1), splendid (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2986: λαμπρόςλαμπρός, λαμπρά, λαμπρόν (λάμπω); a. shining; brilliant: ἀστήρ, Revelation 22:16 (Homer, Iliad 4, 77, etc.); clear, transparent, Revelation 22:1. b. splendid, magnificent (A. V. gorgeous, bright (see below)): ἐσθής, Luke 23:11; Acts 10:30; James 2:2f; λίνον (L Tr WH λίθον), Revelation 15:6; βύσσινος, Strong’s Greek 2986 depicts radiance, brilliance or splendid appearance, whether of garments, heavenly realities, or moral character. Each canonical occurrence attaches that brightness either to divine disclosure, angelic presence, royal or priestly dignity, or the righteous status granted by God’s grace. The term therefore functions both literally—describing vivid light or costly fabric—and theologically—signaling the glory and purity that come from God. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background Hebrew Scripture frequently links divine glory with visible luminosity (Exodus 34:29-35; Ezekiel 1:26-28). Priestly vestments were likewise made “for glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:2). By Second Temple times, Jewish literature could use “shining” clothing to mark angelic beings or the resurrected righteous (Daniel 12:3; Wisdom of Solomon 3:7). This conceptual backdrop prepares New Testament readers to associate physical brightness with heavenly origin and ethical holiness. Survey of New Testament Occurrences 1. Acts 10:30 – Cornelius recounts how “a man in dazzling clothing” (BSB: “a man in shining clothes”) stood before him, underscoring angelic authority and divine endorsement of the gospel’s expansion to Gentiles. Christological Dimensions Jesus is the object of mock brightness in Luke 23:11, yet Revelation 22:16 reveals Him as “the bright Morning Star,” vindicating His true majesty. The contrast traces the path from humiliation to exaltation, encouraging believers to view temporal shame in light of eternal splendor. Ecclesiological Significance Revelation 19:8 affirms that the Church’s bridal array is both a gift (“was given to her”) and a call (“the righteous acts of the saints”). Corporate holiness becomes visible, missional attire, reflecting God’s own character before a watching world. Ethical and Pastoral Implications James 2 warns against judging by outward brilliance. Ministers must reinforce that the gospel levels social distinctions, valuing faith over fabric. Conversely, believers are exhorted to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15), not through ostentation but through works that glorify the Father. Eschatological Horizon In Revelation, heavenly brilliance heralds consummation. The angels’ shining garments precede the outpouring of judgment; the Bride’s bright linen anticipates the wedding feast; the crystal-bright river flows from the throne in the eternal city. Lampros thus signals both impending accountability and final comfort. Worship and Devotional Use Hymnody and liturgy have long employed imagery of radiant garments—“clothed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.” Meditating on lampros passages invites believers to rejoice in imputed righteousness while pursuing practical holiness. Historical Reception Early Church Fathers (e.g., Chrysostom on James 2) used the term to denounce classism in worship. Medieval theologians linked the Bride’s fine linen to infused virtues, while Reformers stressed its forensic dimension. Modern evangelical scholarship unites these strands: believers are both declared and made righteous, a truth visually encoded in the bright linen. Contemporary Ministry Application • Guard against favoritism; embrace the poor with the same honor as the well-attired (James 2). In every text, lampros directs attention from fleeting human glitter to the enduring brilliance of God’s holiness and grace, urging the Church to wear, reflect, and proclaim that light in anticipation of Christ’s return. Englishman's Concordance Luke 23:11 Adj-AFSGRK: περιβαλὼν ἐσθῆτα λαμπρὰν ἀνέπεμψεν αὐτὸν NAS: Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe KJV: him in a gorgeous robe, INT: having put on apparel splendid he sent back him Acts 10:30 Adj-DFS James 2:2 Adj-DFS James 2:3 Adj-AFS Revelation 15:6 Adj-ANS Revelation 18:14 Adj-NNP Revelation 19:8 Adj-ANS Revelation 22:1 Adj-AMS Revelation 22:16 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 2986 |
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