Brief Overview of ἀστράπτω (G797: astraptō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: astraptō

Root Words: The verb ἀστράπτω (astraptō) is derived from the noun ἀστραπή (astrapē), meaning “lightning.” The root indicates a relation to the concept of lightning or a flash of light.

Primary Meanings:

• To Flash or Light Up: The primary meaning of ἀστράπτω is to “flash” or “emit light,” similar to how lightning illuminates the sky.
• To Shine Brightly: It can also mean to shine brightly or to emit a sudden burst of light.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀστράπτω as “to flash,” “to emit light,” or “to shine brightly,” emphasizing its usage to describe the action of producing a flash of light, like lightning.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀστράπτω as “to shine or to flash like lightning,” highlighting its use to convey the action of emitting a bright, sudden light.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀστράπτω means “to flash,” drawing on its association with lightning and bright flashes.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀστράπτω as “to flash,” particularly in the context of emitting a bright light, paralleling the imagery of lightning.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀστράπτω as “to flash” or “to shine brightly,” referring to the action of producing a sudden and intense light.

Bible Verses:

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• Revelation 4:5 (KJV): “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”
• Revelation 8:5 (KJV): “And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.”

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer uses terms related to flashing or lightning to describe divine interventions and dramatic events in the Iliad and the Odyssey.
• Hesiod includes imagery of flashing or brightening in his descriptions of Zeus and the weather in Theogony.
• Aeschylus employs imagery of flashing or bright light to convey divine power and cosmic events in his tragedies.

4. Summary:

ἀστράπτω (astraptō) primarily means “to flash” or “to shine brightly,” akin to the effect of lightning. The term conveys the action of emitting a sudden burst of light. In classical Greek literature, it often describes dramatic and divine phenomena, reflecting its association with bright and intense flashes of light. This verb emphasizes the visual impact of lightning or similar light emissions, consistent with its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts.