Brief Overview of αὐγή (G827: Augē)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Augē

Root Words: The Greek word αὐγή (Augē) derives from the root αὐγάζω (Augázō), meaning “to shine” or “to bring light.”

Primary Meanings:

• Brightness: The radiance or light that shines from a source.
• Dawn: The first light of day; the morning light.
• Light: The general concept of illumination or shining.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines αὐγή as “brightness” or “radiance,” often referring to the light of the sun or dawn. It highlights its use in both physical descriptions of light and metaphorical contexts related to enlightenment and clarity.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes αὐγή as “brightness” or “radiance,” specifically noting its reference to the light of the morning or the sun.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary identifies αὐγή as “brightness” or “radiance,” emphasizing its application to the light of the dawn or sun, and its metaphorical use in describing spiritual illumination.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines αὐγή as “brightness” or “radiance,” particularly related to the light of the daybreak or the sun.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies αὐγή as “brightness” or “radiance,” including its use to refer to the dawn or early morning light.

Bible Verses:

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• Luke 1:78 (KJV): “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.”
• In this verse, αὐγή metaphorically refers to the dawn or the light that brings new hope and enlightenment.
• 2 Peter 1:19 (KJV): “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
• Here, αὐγή is used to symbolize the light of prophecy and divine enlightenment that dispels darkness.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In The Iliad and The Odyssey, Homer uses terms related to light and brightness, reflecting the significance of αὐγή in conveying the concept of radiance.
• Hesiod: In Works and Days, Hesiod references dawn and morning light, utilizing terms akin to αὐγή