Lexical Summary astér: Star Original Word: ἀστήρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance star. Probably from the base of stronnumi; a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively -- star. see GREEK stronnumi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root ster- Definition a star NASB Translation star (11), stars (13). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 792: ἀστήρἀστήρ, ἀστέρος, ὁ (from the root, star (probably, as strewn over the sky), cf. ἄστρον, Latinstella, German Stern, English star; Fick, Part i. 250; Curtius, § 205; Vanicek, p. 1146; from Homer down); a star: Matthew 2:7, 9, 10 (accusative, ἀστεραν א* C; see ἄρσην at the end); Topical Lexicon Scriptural Range and Literary Context The Greek term ἀστήρ (Strong’s 792) appears twenty-four times in the New Testament, ranging from the Gospel narratives (Matthew and Mark) to Pauline theology (1 Corinthians) and, most densely, to Johannine apocalyptic vision (Revelation). Its distribution places it at the crossroads of historical narrative, doctrinal exposition, and prophetic revelation, allowing a rich theology of “the star” to develop across canonical genres. Guiding Light and the Advent of Christ Matthew’s infancy account records the Magi testifying, “We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2). The star (ἀστήρ) reappears in Matthew 2:9–10, leading them precisely to the child, then disappears once its purpose is fulfilled. This heavenly sign fulfills Numbers 24:17 (“A Star will come forth from Jacob”) and proclaims the Messiah to Gentile seekers, establishing an early missionary trajectory. In ministry today, the Christmas star remains a powerful evangelistic symbol: God sovereignly uses creation to point humanity to Christ. Varied Glory and the Doctrine of Resurrection Paul employs the star in 1 Corinthians 15:41 to illustrate differing degrees of radiance: “Star differs from star in splendor.” Within his larger argument, the diverse brilliance of celestial bodies underscores both the continuity and transformation of the resurrection body. This analogy affirms bodily resurrection while maintaining individuality—a truth that comforts believers grieving loss and strengthens hope in pastoral counseling. Seven Stars and Church Oversight Revelation introduces a corporate dimension. The glorified Son of Man holds “seven stars in His right hand” (Revelation 1:16), later explained as “the angels of the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20). By placing these stars in His grasp, Christ asserts authority over every congregation’s spiritual leadership. Addressing Ephesus, He identifies Himself as “the One who holds the seven stars” (Revelation 2:1), reminding shepherds that oversight is derived, not independent. Worship gatherings and leadership structures should therefore reflect humble dependence on the Chief Shepherd. Promise of the Morning Star To the overcomer at Thyatira, Christ pledges, “I will give him the morning star” (Revelation 2:28). The promise looks ahead to Revelation 22:16, where Jesus declares, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.” The reward, then, is Christ Himself—sharing in His eternal rule and brilliance. This eschatological incentive fuels perseverance amid persecution: ultimate reward is relational, not merely spatial. Cosmic Upheaval and Prophetic Warning Jesus foretells celestial disturbance preceding His return: “The stars will fall from heaven” (Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:25). Revelation visualizes these portents: These scenes communicate both judgment and the dismantling of earthly security. Pastorally, they urge readiness and underscore God’s sovereignty over cosmic and political realms alike. False Luminaries and Apostasy Jude denounces false teachers as “wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever” (Jude 13). The contrast is stark: true stars are fixed in the hand of Christ, guiding others; deceptive stars drift without course, ending in judgment. The verse equips churches to test doctrine and lifestyle, guarding the flock from destructive error. Historical and Cultural Background In the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman milieu, stars were often deified or used for divination. Scripture counters this worldview: stars are created objects (Genesis 1:16) that serve God’s redemptive purposes. By depicting Christ holding and commanding the stars, Revelation dismantles competing cosmic allegiances and calls believers to exclusive worship of the Creator. Practical Ministry Reflections • Worship: Incorporate readings and hymns that celebrate Christ as the Morning Star, reinforcing eschatological hope. Doctrinal Synthesis The New Testament’s use of ἀστήρ weaves together revelation, redemption, resurrection, and consummation. Stars announce the incarnate Savior, illustrate resurrected glory, symbolize ecclesial stewardship, warn of cosmic judgments, expose false guides, and finally point to Christ Himself as the everlasting Light. Taken together, these facets affirm the unity of Scripture and the centrality of Jesus Christ in every epoch of redemptive history. Forms and Transliterations αστερα αστέρα ἀστέρα αστερας αστέρας ἀστέρας αστερες αστέρες ἀστέρες αστερος αστέρος ἀστέρος αστερων αστέρων ἀστέρων αστηρ αστήρ ἀστὴρ aster astēr astḕr astera astéra asteras astéras asteres astéres asteron asterōn astéron astérōn asteros astérosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 2:2 N-AMSGRK: αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα ἐν τῇ NAS: For we saw His star in the east KJV: we have seen his star in the east, INT: of him the star in the Matthew 2:7 N-GMS Matthew 2:9 N-NMS Matthew 2:10 N-AMS Matthew 24:29 N-NMP Mark 13:25 N-NMP 1 Corinthians 15:41 N-GMP 1 Corinthians 15:41 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 15:41 N-GMS Jude 1:13 N-NMP Revelation 1:16 N-AMP Revelation 1:20 N-GMP Revelation 1:20 N-NMP Revelation 2:1 N-AMP Revelation 2:28 N-AMS Revelation 3:1 N-AMP Revelation 6:13 N-NMP Revelation 8:10 N-NMS Revelation 8:11 N-GMS Revelation 8:12 N-GMP Revelation 9:1 N-AMS Revelation 12:1 N-GMP Revelation 12:4 N-GMP Revelation 22:16 N-NMS Strong's Greek 792 |
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