2988. lamprós

Lexical Summary

lamprós: Bright, shining, splendid, magnificent

Original Word: λαμπρός
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: lamprós
Pronunciation: lam-PROS
Phonetic Spelling: (lam-proce')
KJV: sumptuously
NASB: splendor
Word Origin: [adverb from G2986 (λαμπρός - bright)]

1. brilliantly
2. (figuratively) luxuriously

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

splendidly

Adverb from lampros; brilliantly, i.e. Figuratively, luxuriously -- sumptuously.

see GREEK lampros

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
adverb from lampros
Definition
splendidly
NASB Translation
splendor (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2988: λαμπρῶς

λαμπρῶς, adverb, splendidly, magnificently: of sumptuous living, Luke 16:19. (From Aeschylus down.)

Topical Lexicon

Concept Overview

Strong’s Greek 2988 captures the idea of living or acting “splendidly, magnificently, luxuriously.” It describes outward brilliance that is intentionally showcased, whether through clothing, banquets, or any display of status.

Occurrence in Scripture

Luke 16:19 is the single New Testament instance:

“Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendour.” (Berean Standard Bible)

The adverb underscores the habitual and ostentatious lifestyle of the rich man in Jesus’ parable.

Narrative Setting in Luke 16:19

1. Literary Context: The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) follows Jesus’ teaching on stewardship (Luke 16:1-13) and a rebuke of the Pharisees who were “lovers of money” (Luke 16:14).
2. Contrast: Lazarus lies destitute at the gate, while the rich man feasts daily. The brilliance implied by the term heightens the disparity.
3. Eschatological Reversal: The rich man’s earthly radiance is juxtaposed with his later torment, demonstrating the temporary value of earthly splendour versus eternal realities.

Cultural and Historical Background

• Purple garments and fine linen signified imperial or priestly status and extreme wealth in the first-century Roman world. Splendid banquets were public declarations of honor and power.
• Greco-Roman moralists sometimes criticized such extravagance, yet society largely admired it. Jesus’ use of the word places Him within a prophetic tradition that exposes the moral emptiness of opulence unaccompanied by mercy (cf. Isaiah 3:16-26; Amos 6:1-7).

Theological Significance

• Stewardship: Scripture consistently teaches that wealth is a trust from God (Deuteronomy 8:17-18; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). The rich man’s “splendid” living without compassion shows failed stewardship.
• Divine Justice: The splendour of Luke 16:19 inversely mirrors the “glory” awaiting the redeemed (Romans 8:18). Temporal brilliance without righteousness is ultimately eclipsed by eternal judgment.
• Heart Revelation: The adverb conveys not merely possessions but the posture of the heart—self-indulgence versus neighbor-love (Luke 10:27; 1 John 3:17).

Intertextual Links

Although 2988 appears only once, related forms illuminate biblical themes:
• James 2:2 pictures the “man in fine clothes” attending worship, exposing partiality within the church.
• Revelation 18:14-17 portrays Babylon’s merchants mourning the loss of “luxurious” (same semantic range) goods. Together these texts warn against seductive splendour that blinds one to eternal truth.

Historical Reception

Early church fathers such as Chrysostom employed Luke 16 to exhort generosity and condemn neglect of the poor. Medieval theologians used the passage to shape almsgiving practices, while Reformers emphasized faith-enabled works of mercy rather than ostentation. Throughout history the verse has functioned as a mirror for the affluent conscience.

Ministry Implications

1. Pastoral Warning: Leaders should caution believers against lifestyles that showcase abundance while ignoring need.
2. Discipleship: Teach financial stewardship that prioritizes kingdom investment over self-glorification.
3. Evangelism: The stark imagery of Luke 16:19-31 underscores the urgency of repentance before the “great chasm” becomes fixed.

Contemporary Application

• Personal Audit: Modern believers may own more wealth‐signifying items than ancient elites. A fresh examination of spending habits in light of eternity is warranted.
• Corporate Witness: Churches can model counter-cultural generosity, redirecting resources from embellishment to gospel expansion and compassionate outreach.
• Social Engagement: Advocacy for the marginalized echoes the prophetic challenge embedded in the single, potent use of this word.

Related Biblical Concepts

Glory (doxa) – the rightful splendour belonging to God.

Vanity (mataiotēs) – the emptiness of earthly show without substance.

Generosity (eleēmosynē) – mercy in action that reflects God’s heart.

In its lone appearance, Strong’s Greek 2988 serves as a spotlight exposing both the lure and the limitations of worldly brilliance, calling every generation to exchange passing luxury for lasting treasure in Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

λαμπρως λαμπρώς λαμπρῶς lampros lamprôs lamprōs lamprō̂s

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 16:19 Adv
GRK: καθ' ἡμέραν λαμπρῶς
NAS: joyously living in splendor every
KJV: and fared sumptuously every
INT: every day in splendor

Strong's Greek 2988
1 Occurrence

λαμπρῶς — 1 Occ.