Lexical Summary lampó: To shine, to give light Original Word: λάμπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance give light, shine. A primary verb; to beam, i.e. Radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively) -- give light, shine. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to shine NASB Translation gives light (1), shine (2), shines (1), shone (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2989: λάμπωλάμπω; future λαμψω (2 Corinthians 4:6 L text T Tr WH); 1 aorist ἐλαμψα; (from Homer down); to shine: Matthew 5:15; Matthew 17:2; Luke 17:24; Acts 12:7; 2 Corinthians 4:6. (Compare: ἐκλάμπω, περιλάμπω.) Topical Lexicon Manifestations of Divine RadianceThe verb λάμπω traces a thin yet radiant line through the New Testament, marking moments when the presence, power, or purpose of God bursts into view. In Matthew 17:2 the transfigured Christ “shone” with a brilliance that recalls Sinai’s glory yet surpasses it, affirming His identity as the beloved Son and prefiguring His resurrection splendor. The shining is not decorative; it is revelatory, unveiling what flesh had veiled. Acts 12:7 records a similar irruption: “Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell.” Here the verb underscores divine intervention, turning an iron-barred prison into a theater of liberation. The episode reminds readers that no earthly power can restrain the purposes of God when His light breaks in. Ethical Illumination In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus transfers the verb from Himself to His disciples. “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket… it shines for all who are in the house” (Matthew 5:15). Two verses later He commands, “Let your light shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). The disciples’ radiance is derivative; they shine because they reflect the Light of the world. The imperative is ethical and missional: visible good works glorify the Father and testify to the gospel’s transforming power. Apocalyptic Flash Luke 17:24 employs λάμπω to describe the sudden, unmistakable visibility of the Son of Man’s return: “For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day.” The verb here conveys universality and inescapability; His coming will not be regional rumor but cosmic revelation. Theological Depth in Pauline Reflection Paul twice employs the verb (aorist ἔλαμψεν, future λάμψει) in 2 Corinthians 4:6 to forge a doctrinal link between Creation and new creation: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” The apostle grounds gospel ministry in the creative fiat of Genesis, portraying conversion as an act of sovereign illumination. The same God who commanded physical light now commands saving light, dispelling moral darkness and equipping believers for proclamation. Historical and Ministry Significance Early Christian preaching consistently leveraged the imagery of light to contrast the dominion of darkness with the kingdom of the beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). The verb λάμπω crystallized that contrast in liturgical readings and catechesis, teaching converts that salvation is both objective deliverance and subjective enlightenment. Patristic homilies on the Transfiguration and Easter vigil liturgies made frequent use of the verb’s occurrences, reinforcing the continuity between Scriptural testimony and ecclesial worship. Practical Implications for the Contemporary Church 1. Worship: The gathered church recalls that every conversion is a mini-Genesis; corporate praise should celebrate God’s ongoing “Let there be light.” Conclusion Though appearing only seven times, λάμπω weaves together the glory of Christ, the freedom of the gospel, the ethics of discipleship, and the hope of consummation. Each occurrence invites the reader to move from passive observation to active participation, becoming bearers of the same light that once blazed on a Galilean mount, in a Roman prison, and in the heart of every redeemed saint. Forms and Transliterations έλαμψαν ελαμψεν έλαμψεν ἔλαμψεν λαμπει λάμπει λάμπουσι λάμψαι λαμψατω λαμψάτω λαμψει λάμψει elampsen élampsen lampei lámpei lampsato lampsatō lampsáto lampsátō lampsei lámpseiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:15 V-PIA-3SGRK: λυχνίαν καὶ λάμπει πᾶσιν τοῖς NAS: but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all KJV: and it giveth light unto all INT: lampstand and it shines for all who Matthew 5:16 V-AMA-3S Matthew 17:2 V-AIA-3S Luke 17:24 V-PIA-3S Acts 12:7 V-AIA-3S 2 Corinthians 4:6 V-FIA-3S 2 Corinthians 4:6 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 2989 |
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