Lexical Summary phanos: Lantern, lamp Original Word: φανός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lantern. From phaino; a lightener, i.e. Light; lantern -- lantern. see GREEK phaino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phainó Definition a torch or lantern NASB Translation lanterns (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5322: φανόςφανός. φανου, ὁ (φαίνω), a torch (A. V. lantern; Hesychius Ἀττικοι δέ λυχνουκον ἐκάλουν ὁ ἡμεῖς νῦν φανον; cf. Phryn., p. 59 and Lob.'s note; Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 131; Athen. 15, p. 699 d. and following, and Casaubon's notes, chapter 18: see λαμπάς and references): John 18:8. (Aristophanes, Xenophon, Dionysius Halicarnassus, Plutarch, others.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 5322 designates the hand-held light source—whether lantern or torch—used for guidance in the darkness. Though the term appears only once in the New Testament, its single cameo in the Passion narrative throws a bright beam on human motives, spiritual darkness, and the contrast between manufactured and divine light. Occurrence in Scripture John 18:3 records the word’s sole New Testament appearance: “So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden with lanterns, torches, and weapons.” Historical and Cultural Setting Lanterns and torches were common in the ancient Near East, constructed of pottery or metal housings that sheltered burning oil-soaked rags or resinous wood. Nighttime travel, temple duties at early morning hours, and festive processions depended on such lights. Roman cohorts and temple police would naturally arm themselves with lanterns when setting out to arrest someone in a garden after dark. Their use underscores both the practical need for illumination and the urgency of the mission. The Lantern in John 18:3 1. Timing: The arrest occurs after the Passover meal, under cover of night. Physical darkness mirrors the spiritual darkness of betrayal. Symbolic and Theological Insights • Artificial versus True Light: Scripture often sets human light against divine revelation (Isaiah 50:11; Revelation 21:23). The lanterns in John 18 serve as emblems of inadequate human enlightenment, incapable of exposing hearts or comprehending Christ’s mission. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Evangelism: Many rely on man-made philosophies—modern “lanterns”—to navigate life. Only the gospel provides uncreated light. Related Terms and Distinctions • Strong’s 2985 (lampos) and 3088 (lampas) denote lamps and torches used for weddings and interior lighting. Strong’s 5322 emphasizes the portable lantern, suitable for outdoor mobility. See Also John 1:4-9; John 12:46; Psalm 18:28; Isaiah 60:1-3; 1 Peter 2:9 Forms and Transliterations φανων φανών φανῶν phanon phanôn phanōn phanō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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