Lexical Summary astraptó: To flash, to gleam, to shine like lightning Original Word: ἀστράπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flash, shine. Probably from aster; to flash as lightning -- lighten, shine. see GREEK aster NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition to lighten, flash forth NASB Translation dazzling (1), flashes (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 797: ἀστράπτωἀστράπτω; (later form στράπτω, see ἀσπάζομαι at the beginning (probably allied with ἀστήρ which see)); to lighten (Homer, Iliad 9, 237; 17, 595, and often in Attic): Luke 17:24. of dazzling objects: ἐσθής (R G ἐσθησεις), Luke 24:4 (and very often in Greek writings from Sophocles Oed. Col. 1067; Euripides, Phoen. 111, down). (Compare: ἐξαστράπτω, περιαστράπτω.) Topical Lexicon Root Concept Strong’s Greek 797 evokes the blazing brilliance of lightning as it bursts across the sky. Scripture employs this verb to portray sudden, overwhelming illumination that originates in the heavenlies and forces instant recognition. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 17:24 – The present participle depicts lightning “flashing” from one end of the sky to the other. Imagery of Suddenness and Universality In Luke 17:24 the Lord compares His future revelation to this sky-wide flash. Lightning is not confined, negotiated, or localized; it commands the entire horizon at once. Likewise, the Son of Man will be publicly, unmistakably manifested. The verb underscores velocity and total visibility, countering any notion of a hidden or purely spiritual parousia. Association with the Divine Presence Throughout Scripture lightning often accompanies God’s throne (Exodus 19:16; Revelation 4:5). By choosing a verb built on the same root, Luke 24:4 hints that the angels at the resurrection are attendants of the same Majesty. Their garments do not merely reflect light; they emit it, conveying the holiness and power of the Risen Christ whose victory they announce. Eschatological Emphasis Matthew 24:27, although employing the noun 796, parallels Luke 17:24 and reinforces the idea that Christ’s return will be as evident as a sky-spanning flash. Strong’s 797 therefore contributes to a unified New Testament portrait of the Second Advent: sudden, glorious, and visible to all nations (cf. Revelation 1:7). Contrast with Earthly Illumination Human torches and lamps are helpful but limited (Psalm 119:105). Lightning, however, is God’s own coruscation. The resurrected Lord does not need borrowed brilliance; His messengers blaze with a light that startles seasoned soldiers (Matthew 28:4). Believers are reminded that gospel power is not a faint, man-made candle but a Heaven-sent burst that drives darkness away. Practical Ministry Implications • Proclamation: Preachers declare a Christ who will break upon the world with lightning-like clarity; therefore the message must be bold and unambiguous. Historical Interpretation Early church fathers (e.g., Justin Martyr, Irenaeus) cited lightning imagery to refute secret-return theories. Medieval commentators linked the shining garments in Luke 24:4 to transfiguration glory, seeing 797 as a hint that resurrection life clothes the redeemed in uncreated light. Reformers emphasized the verb’s universality to oppose claims of a regional or merely spiritual parousia. Related Biblical Motifs • Theophany fire (Exodus 3:2) Summary Strong’s 797 conveys instantaneous, heaven-originated brilliance that both reveals and authenticates divine action. Whether announcing the empty tomb or prefiguring the cosmic unveiling of the King, the term assures believers that God’s redemptive interventions are neither hidden nor hesitant—they strike the world with the certainty and splendor of lightning. Forms and Transliterations αστραπτουσα αστράπτουσα ἀστράπτουσα αστραπτούσαις αστραπτουση ἀστραπτούσῃ άστραψον αστρολόγοι ήστραψεν astraptousa astráptousa astraptouse astraptousē astraptoúsei astraptoúsēiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 17:24 V-PPA-NFSGRK: ἡ ἀστραπὴ ἀστράπτουσα ἐκ τῆς NAS: the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, KJV: the lightning, that lighteneth out of INT: the lightning flashes from the [one end] Luke 24:4 V-ASA-3S Strong's Greek 797 |
    |