5458. phóstér

Lexicon

phóstér: Light, Luminary

Original Word: φωστήρ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: phóstér
Pronunciation: foce-TAIR
Phonetic Spelling: (foce-tare')
Definition: Light, Luminary
Meaning: a light, an illuminator, perhaps the sun; a star; brilliancy.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

light.

From phos; an illuminator, i.e. (concretely) a luminary, or (abstractly) brilliancy -- light.

see GREEK phos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from phós
Definition
a luminary, light
NASB Translation
brilliance (1), lights (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5458: φωστήρ

φωστήρ, φωστηρος, ὁ (φῶς, φώσκω);

1. that which gives light, an illuminator (Vulg.luminar): of the stars (luminaries), Philippians 2:15 (Wis. 13:2; Sir. 43:7; Genesis 1:14, 16; Heliodorus 2, 24; (Anthol. Pal. 15, 17; of sun and moon, Test xii. Patr. test. Levi 14); ecclesiastical writings.)

2. light, brightness: Revelation 21:11 (Anthol. 11, 359) (others refer this to 1; cf. Trench, § xlvi.).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb φῶς (phōs), meaning "light."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H3974 מָאוֹר (ma'or): Refers to a luminary or light, often used in the context of celestial bodies like the sun and moon.
• H215 אוֹר (or): A verb meaning "to be or become light," often used metaphorically to describe enlightenment or divine revelation.
• H216 אוֹר (or): A noun meaning "light," used to describe both physical light and metaphorical illumination or guidance.

These Hebrew terms share a thematic connection with φωστήρ, emphasizing the role of light as a symbol of divine presence, guidance, and truth throughout the biblical narrative.

Usage: The term φωστήρ is used in the New Testament to describe celestial bodies like stars or metaphorically to describe individuals who provide spiritual or moral guidance.

Context: The Greek word φωστήρ appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize illumination and guidance. It is used to describe both physical and metaphorical sources of light. In Philippians 2:15, the Apostle Paul uses φωστήρ to encourage believers to "shine as lights in the world," highlighting their role as moral and spiritual guides in a world characterized by darkness and moral ambiguity. This metaphorical use underscores the transformative power of living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ, serving as a beacon of hope and truth.

The concept of light as a symbol of divine presence and truth is deeply rooted in biblical tradition. In the Old Testament, light often represents God's purity, wisdom, and guidance. The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ being described as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), calling His followers to reflect His light in their lives.

The use of φωστήρ in the New Testament aligns with the broader biblical narrative that contrasts light with darkness, good with evil, and truth with falsehood. Believers are called to embody the light of Christ, illuminating the path for others and standing as witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Forms and Transliterations

φωστηρ φωστήρ φωστὴρ φωστήρα φωστήρας φωστηρες φωστήρες φωστῆρες phoster phostḕr phōstēr phōstḕr phosteres phostêres phōstēres phōstē̂res

Englishman's Concordance

Philippians 2:15 N-NMP
GRK: φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ
NAS: you appear as lights in the world,
KJV: ye shine as lights in the world;
INT: you appear as lights in [the] world

Revelation 21:11 N-NMS
GRK: θεοῦ ὁ φωστὴρ αὐτῆς ὅμοιος
NAS: of God. Her brilliance was like
KJV: and her light [was] like unto a stone
INT: of God the radiance of it [was] like

Strong's Greek 5458
2 Occurrences

φωστὴρ — 1 Occ.
φωστῆρες — 1 Occ.