Lexical Summary télaugós: Shining, radiant, bright Original Word: τηλαυγός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance clearly. Adverb from a compound of a derivative of telos and auge; in a far-shining manner, i.e. Plainly -- clearly. see GREEK telos see GREEK auge NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from téle (afar) and augé Definition at a distance clearly NASB Translation clearly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5081: δηλαυγῶςδηλαυγῶς (from δῆλος and αὐγή), radiantly, in full light, clearly: Mark 8:25 T WH marginal reading with manuscripts א* C L delta for Rec. τηλαυγῶς. Hesychius says δηλαυγῶς. ἄγαν φανερῶς; add δηλαυγεσι τεκμηρίοις, Democritus in Fabricius, Biblioth. Gr. iv., p. 333. With the exception of this word (δηλοποιέω (Plutarch, Pericl. 33, 8; others)) and the very rare δηλοφανης, δῆλος is not found in composition. STRONGS NT 5081: τηλαυγῶςτηλαυγῶς, adverb (from the adjective τηλαυγής, far-shining, from τῆλε afar, and αὐγή radiance), at a distance and clearly: Mark 8:25 (where T WH marginal reading δηλαυγῶς, which see). (adjective, Job 37:20; Psalm 18:9 Strong’s Greek 5081 appears once in the New Testament and conveys the idea of seeing “clearly” or “with distinct vision.” Though brief in occurrence, the term highlights a crucial stage in the progressive healing of a blind man and serves as an emblem of spiritual clarity that only Jesus Christ can grant. Biblical Context (Mark 8:22-26) “Once again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes, and he saw clearly. His sight was restored, and he could see everything distinctly” (Mark 8:25). The episode at Bethsaida is unique in that the healing unfolds in two movements: initial partial sight followed by complete clarity. The adverb translated “clearly” underscores the transition from blurred perception (“I see men, but they look like trees walking,” verse 24) to full, accurate sight. The word frames the miracle not merely as physical restoration but as a living parable for the disciples, who themselves were grappling with partial understanding of Jesus’ identity (Mark 8:17-21, 27-30). Narrative Setting in Mark Mark places this miracle just before Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi. The sequencing is deliberate: the disciples, like the blind man, needed a second “touch” of divine illumination to grasp the Messiah’s mission. The rare adverb therefore functions literarily as a hinge—moving the narrative from obscurity into the dawning clarity of revelation. Theological Significance of Restored Clarity 1. Revelation: The incident illustrates how divine initiative opens human perception (Psalm 119:18; Ephesians 1:18). Christological Implications Jesus neither hurried nor abandoned the process. His hands-on, personal engagement portrays Him as the compassionate Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11) who tenderly leads seekers from dim awareness to vibrant comprehension. The final clarity reflects His mission “to open eyes that are blind” (Isaiah 42:7) in its fullest sense. Discipleship and Spiritual Insight Mark’s readers are invited to self-examination: Have we settled for partial perception or have we sought the second touch that yields clarity? The passage encourages believers to bring obscurities to Christ until He clarifies them, whether in doctrine, guidance, or personal holiness (James 1:5). Historical Usage Beyond the New Testament In classical Greek the cognate adjective could describe objects seen “in broad daylight” or with “full visibility,” often in military or navigational settings. This secular backdrop heightens the New Testament’s spiritual emphasis: what the sun does for eyesight, the Son does for insight. Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching: Illustrates gradual illumination; helpful when teaching about progressive sanctification or the growth of faith. Devotional Reflections Believers may pray: “Lord Jesus, lay Your hands upon my eyes again, that I may see clearly.” The term reminds Christians that clarity is a grace granted by repeated encounters with Christ. Related Scriptures Psalm 146:8; Isaiah 35:5; Luke 24:31; John 9:7; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:18; Revelation 3:18. Summary Strong’s Greek 5081, though used only once, magnifies Christ’s power to turn partial vision into unmistakable clarity—an enduring call to pursue ever-sharper sight of His glory and truth. |
    |