Lexical Summary apaugasma: Radiance, reflection, brightness Original Word: ἀπαύγασμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance brightness, radianceFrom a compound of apo and augazo; an off-flash, i.e. Effulgence -- brightness. see GREEK apo see GREEK augazo HELPS Word-studies 541 apaúgasma (from 575 /apó, "from" which intensifies 826 /augázō, "shine," derived from augē/"dawn") – properly, someone who literally "shines," (is radiant). 541 (apaúgasma) is only used in Heb 1:3 where it refers to Christ's eternal radiance – supremely reflecting the effulgent glory of the Godhead. His eternal light breaks through all the darkness that keeps someone in spiritual ignorance (bondage), i.e. every resistance exerted by sin. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and augé Definition radiance NASB Translation radiance (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 541: ἀπαύγασμαἀπαύγασμα, ἀπαυγαστος, τό (from ἀπαυγάζω to emit brightness, and this from αὐγή brightness; cf. ἀποσκίασμα, ἀπείκασμα, ἀπεικονισμα, ἀπηχημα), reflected brightness: Christ is called in Hebrews 1:3 ἀπαύγασμα τῆς δόξης ... τοῦ Θεοῦ, inasmuch as he perfectly reflects the majesty of God; so that the same thing is declared here of Christ metaphysically, which he says of himself in an ethical sense in John 12:45 ( Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery The term depicts the bursting forth of light from a source—an effulgence that is both native to the source and perceptible to observers. The picture is not of a secondary glow but of the radiant outshining that reveals the very essence of the light-giver. In Scripture this imagery stresses that what is seen in the Son is nothing less than the intrinsic glory of the Father made visible. Occurrence in the New Testament Hebrews 1:3 alone employs the word: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word”. The unique placement at the outset of Hebrews sets the interpretive key for the entire epistle: the Messiah’s superiority is grounded in His full participation in divine glory. Christological Significance 1. Equality with the Father: The Son does not merely reflect divine glory; He manifests it. Thus the passage safeguards both the unity and distinction within the Godhead. Theological Implications • Supreme Revelation: The finality of God’s speech in the Son (Hebrews 1:1-2) rests on His radiance. No further mediator can supersede Him. Connections with Old Testament Revelation • Shekinah Glory: The cloud that filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) is a historical backdrop; Christ embodies what was once veiled. Historical Usage in Patristic Writings Athanasius cited Hebrews 1:3 to argue that the Son is homoousios (of one essence) with the Father: the light produced is identical in nature to its source. Basil of Caesarea employed the same metaphor against Eunomian subordinationism. John Chrysostom preached that as radiance is inseparable from light, so the Son is eternally begotten, not made. The Nicene Creed’s phrase “Light from Light” reflects this exegesis. Practical Application for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Transformational Gaze: “We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Continual beholding leads to progressive likeness. Worship and Devotional Reflection Hymns such as “Fairest Lord Jesus” celebrate Christ as “brightness of the Father’s glory.” In corporate worship, Hebrews 1:3 invites adoration that is simultaneously Christ-centered and God-exalting. Personal devotion benefits from contemplating the radiant Son in the Gospels, allowing His glory to dispel fear and kindle hope (Revelation 1:16). Summary The lone New Testament usage encapsulates the heart of biblical Christology: the incarnate Son is the radiant, self-revealing glory of the eternal God. This truth fuels doctrine, shapes worship, and energizes mission as the church reflects His light in the world. Forms and Transliterations απαυγασμα απαύγασμα ἀπαύγασμα apaugasma apaúgasmaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |