Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature: Lightning is a natural atmospheric phenomenon characterized by the discharge of electricity, typically occurring during a thunderstorm. In the Bible, lightning is often associated with the power and majesty of God, serving as a symbol of His presence and divine judgment. Biblical References and Symbolism: Lightning is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, often in the context of God's revelation and power. It is depicted as a manifestation of God's glory and might, illustrating His control over creation. 1. Divine Presence and Revelation: Lightning is used to describe the awe-inspiring presence of God. In Exodus 19:16, during the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, "there was thunder and lightning, a thick cloud on the mountain, and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people in the camp trembled." This event underscores the holiness and authority of God as He communicates with His people. 2. God's Power and Majesty: The Psalms frequently use lightning to convey God's power. Psalm 29:7 states, "The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning." Here, lightning is a metaphor for the voice of God, emphasizing His sovereign power over nature. 3. Judgment and Wrath: Lightning is also associated with divine judgment. In Revelation 8:5, lightning is part of the imagery used to describe the judgments of God: "Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake." This passage highlights the fearsome and righteous judgment of God upon the earth. 4. Christ's Return: Lightning is used to describe the sudden and visible return of Christ. In Matthew 24:27, Jesus says, "For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." This imagery emphasizes the unmistakable and global nature of His second coming. Theological Implications: Lightning, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. It is a symbol of both His creative power and His righteous judgment. The use of lightning in biblical narratives and prophecy underscores the transcendence and immanence of God, who is both above creation and actively involved in the world. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, lightning was often associated with deities and divine activity. The biblical portrayal of lightning as an instrument of Yahweh's power distinguishes the God of Israel from the pagan gods, affirming His unique sovereignty over all creation. Conclusion: While lightning is a natural phenomenon, its biblical representation carries deep spiritual significance. It serves as a vivid illustration of God's power, presence, and judgment, reminding believers of His majesty and the ultimate authority He holds over the universe. Easton's Bible Dictionary Frequently referred to by the sacred writers (Nahum 1:3-6). Thunder and lightning are spoken of as tokens of God's wrath (2 Samuel 22:15; Job 28:26; 37:4; Psalm 135:7; 144:6; Zechariah 9:14). They represent God's glorious and awful majesty (Revelation 4:5), or some judgment of God on the world (20:9). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A discharge of atmospheric electricity, accompanied by a vivid flash of light, commonly from one cloud to another, sometimes from a cloud to the earth. The sound produced by the electricity in passing rapidly through the atmosphere constitutes thunder.2. (n.) The act of making bright, or the state of being made bright; enlightenment; brightening, as of the mental powers. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LIGHTNINGlit'-ning (baraq, chaziz; astrape): Lightning is caused by the discharge of electricity between clouds or between clouds and the earth. In a thunder-storm there is a rapid gathering of particles of moisture into clouds and forming of large drops of rain. This gathers with it electric potential until the surface of the cloud (or the enlarged water particles) is insufficient to carry the charge, and a discharge takes place, producing a brilliant flash of light and the resulting thunder-clap. Thunder-storms are common in Syria and Palestine during the periods of heavy rain in the spring and fall and are often severe. Lightning is usually accompanied by heavy rainfall or by hail, as at the time of the plague of hail (Exodus 9:24). Greek 796. astrape -- lightning, brightness ... lightning, brightness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: astrape Phonetic Spelling: (as-trap-ay') Short Definition: a flash of lightning ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/796.htm - 6k 1823. exastrapto -- to flash or gleam like lightning, be radiant 4442. pur -- fire 797. astrapto -- to lighten, flash forth 4015. periastrapto -- to tie around Strong's Hebrew 1300. baraq -- lightning... 1299, 1300. baraq. 1301 . lightning. Transliteration: baraq Phonetic Spelling: (baw-rawk') Short Definition: lightning. Word Origin ... /hebrew/1300.htm - 6k 965. bazaq -- a lightning flash 2385. chaziz -- a thunderbolt, lightning flash 1299. baraq -- to flash (of lightning) 1139. Bene-beraq -- "sons of lightning," a city in Dan 1301. Baraq -- "flash of lightning," an Israelite leader 3940. lappid -- a torch 216. or -- a light 799. esh dath -- fire of a law 7565. resheph -- flame Library Lightning in the Night. Lightning in the Night. July the Second Light and Lightning Of Diocletian, who Ignobly Abdicated the Imperial Throne, and was ... On Heavenly Objects Another Part of My Smoke' which You Frequently Laugh at is My ... Hero-Worship. God is Known by his Works. Mission and Return of the Seventy. How Love Makes Use of Natural, Servile and Mercenary Fear. Thesaurus Lightning (49 Occurrences)... Frequently referred to by the sacred writers (Nahum 1:3-6). Thunder and lightning are spoken of as tokens of God's wrath (2 Samuel 22:15; Job 28:26; 37:4 ... /l/lightning.htm - 24k Lightning-flash (1 Occurrence) Flashes (16 Occurrences) Lighten (19 Occurrences) Flash (19 Occurrences) Flashed (12 Occurrences) Peals (7 Occurrences) Thunder (48 Occurrences) Glittering (12 Occurrences) Glitter (3 Occurrences) Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Church of Almighty God / Eastern Lightning? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it refers to the corners of the earth? | GotQuestions.org Lightning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lightning (49 Occurrences)Matthew 24:27 Matthew 28:3 Luke 9:29 Luke 10:18 Luke 17:24 Luke 24:4 Revelation 4:5 Revelation 8:5 Revelation 11:19 Revelation 16:18 Exodus 9:23 Exodus 9:24 Exodus 19:16 Exodus 20:18 Deuteronomy 33:2 2 Samuel 22:13 2 Samuel 22:15 Job 28:26 Job 36:30 Job 36:32 Job 37:3 Job 37:11 Job 37:15 Job 38:24 Job 38:25 Psalms 18:12 Psalms 18:14 Psalms 29:7 Psalms 77:18 Psalms 78:48 Psalms 97:4 Psalms 105:32 Psalms 135:7 Psalms 144:6 Psalms 148:8 Jeremiah 10:13 Jeremiah 51:16 Ezekiel 1:4 Ezekiel 1:13 Ezekiel 1:14 Ezekiel 21:10 Ezekiel 21:15 Ezekiel 21:28 Daniel 10:6 Hosea 6:5 Nahum 2:4 Nahum 3:3 Habakkuk 3:11 Zechariah 9:14 Subtopics Lightning: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Lightning-flash (1 Occurrence) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |