Brief Overview of ἐπιφώσκω (Strong’s G2020: epiphōskō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the deeper meanings of Scripture. The Greek word ἐπιφώσκω (epiphōskō), meaning “to dawn” or “to begin to shine,” is particularly significant as it often relates to the transition from darkness to light, both literally and metaphorically. This word not only enhances our understanding of New Testament passages where it is used but also sheds light on ancient Greek culture’s perception of time, daybreak, and the concept of new beginnings.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπιφώσκω (epiphōskō) [eh-pee-FOS-koh]
• Etymology: From the prefix ἐπι- (epi-), meaning “upon,” and φώσκω (phōskō), meaning “to shine” or “to give light.” Together, they convey the idea of light shining upon or dawning.
• Part of Speech: Verb; typically used in the present tense to denote the action of light beginning to appear.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Dawn: To begin to shine or to mark the beginning of a new day as the sun rises.
• To Become Light: A process where darkness transitions into light, often metaphorically used to indicate enlightenment or a new revelation.
• To Begin to Be Prominent: In a figurative sense, it can refer to something starting to gain visibility or recognition.

Similar Words: ἀνατέλλω (anatellō) [an-ah-TEL-loh], meaning “to rise” or “to spring up,” often refers to the rising of the sun or stars. While ἀνατέλλω emphasizes the act of rising, ἐπιφώσκω focuses on the initial appearance or dawning of light.

Further Insights: ἐπιφώσκω can be conjugated in different tenses to express nuances of time and aspect. Below is a table showing the conjugation in the present indicative active form:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
epiphōskō is defined as “to begin to shine” or “to dawn,” often used in contexts describing the early morning or the beginning of a new period marked by the arrival of light.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Notes that epiphōskō implies the “approach of daylight” and can be employed metaphorically to describe the onset of enlightenment or a new understanding.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Highlights epiphōskō in relation to the dawning of the day, and by extension, a new spiritual or intellectual awakening. It is often used to symbolize hope, renewal, or the start of something significant.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Lists epiphōskō as “to shine upon” or “to dawn,” frequently appearing in Greek literature to indicate both the literal and figurative arrival of light.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epiphōskō as “to dawn” or “to begin to shine,” particularly in the context of the morning light breaking through the darkness, signaling a new day.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 28:1: “After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn [ἐπιφωσκούσῃ (epiphōskousē)], Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.”
• Luke 23:54: “And that day was the preparation, and the Sabbath drew on [ἐπέφωσκεν (epephōsken)].”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιφώσκω (G2020: epiphōskō)

The Greek verb ἐπιφώσκω (epiphōskō), meaning “to dawn” or “to begin to shine,” is used to signify both literal and figurative transitions from darkness to light. It frequently appears in Biblical and classical texts to describe daybreak, the coming of light, or the beginning of a significant new period. Understanding this word enriches interpretations of scriptural passages where the dawning of light symbolizes hope, renewal, and divine intervention. Its presence in both the New Testament and Septuagint underscores its relevance in spiritual and literary contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in ancient Greek culture, the concept of dawn, expressed by ἐπιφώσκω (epiphōskō), was often associated with new beginnings, divine revelation, and the presence of the gods? This word was not only used to describe the literal break of day but also metaphorically in philosophical and dramatic works to signify enlightenment, clarity, and the start of transformative journeys.