Brief Overview of ἀστραπή (G796: astrapē)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: astrapē

Root Words: The word ἀστραπή (astrapē) is related to the Greek word ἀστραπή (astrapē), which means “flash” or “lightning.”

Primary Meanings:

• Lightning: The primary meaning of ἀστραπή is “lightning,” referring to the electrical discharge during a storm.
• Flash of Light: It can also refer to a sudden and intense flash of light.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀστραπή as “lightning” or “a flash of light,” focusing on its use to describe the natural phenomenon of lightning as well as metaphorically intense light or brilliance.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀστραπή as “lightning” and indicates its use in classical literature to denote a flash of light or electrical discharge.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀστραπή means “lightning” and is used to describe the bright, sudden flash of light associated with storms.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀστραπή as “lightning,” highlighting its use in both literal and figurative contexts to describe sudden bursts of light.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s lists ἀστραπή as “lightning,” referring to the meteorological phenomenon of a flash of light during a storm.

Bible Verses:

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• Matthew 24:27 (KJV): “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
• Luke 10:18 (KJV): “And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer uses terms related to lightning to describe divine intervention and natural phenomena in works like the Iliad and the Odyssey.
• Hesiod mentions lightning in the context of Zeus’ power and control over the weather in his Theogony.
• Aeschylus and Sophocles use imagery of lightning to convey divine wrath and dramatic events in their tragedies.

4. Summary:

ἀστραπή (astrapē) primarily means “lightning” and refers to the flash of light produced during a storm. It can also describe a sudden burst of intense light. The term is used both literally to describe natural occurrences and figuratively to convey sudden brilliance. Its usage in classical Greek literature often emphasizes the dramatic and divine aspects of lightning, reflecting its significance in ancient Greek thought.