Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the original texts of the New Testament. The Greek word ἥλιος (hēlios), meaning “sun,” is particularly significant due to its symbolic and literal usage in ancient Greek culture and Biblical contexts. The sun often represents light, guidance, and divine presence, making it a powerful metaphor in both secular and religious literature. Its relevance spans from everyday references to deeper theological implications in scripture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἥλιος (hēlios), pronounced [HAY-lee-os].
• Etymology: Derived from Proto-Indo-European *sóh₂wl̥, related to the word for “sun.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; masculine, second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Sun: Refers to the celestial body that provides light and heat to the earth.
• Daylight: Implies the period when the sun is above the horizon, often symbolizing clarity, truth, or divine presence.

Similar Words: φῶς (phōs), pronounced [fohs], meaning “light.” While ἥλιος (hēlios) specifically refers to the sun as a source of light, φῶς (phōs) is more general, referring to light itself, whether from the sun or another source. The two words can overlap in metaphorical contexts where “light” symbolizes knowledge or divine truth.

Further Insights: ἥλιος (hēlios) follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar, typical for masculine nouns ending in -ος. Below is the full declension table:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon defines ἥλιος (hēlios) as the “sun” and notes its use both literally, as in descriptions of the natural world, and metaphorically, as in expressions of light and righteousness. In some contexts, it can symbolize divine revelation or judgment.

Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon highlights ἥλιος (hēlios) as primarily referring to the sun, but it also explains how it is used metaphorically in the Bible to signify enlightenment, truth, and the presence of God.

Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary provides an entry for ἥλιος (hēlios) under “Sun” and discusses its symbolic usage in scriptures to illustrate divine guidance, glory, and the illumination of truth.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon discusses ἥλιος (hēlios) as “the sun,” used in both literal and figurative senses. It is frequently encountered in classical literature to denote not just the physical sun but also as a symbol of life, time, and power.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance defines ἥλιος (hēlios) as “sun” and emphasizes its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts within the Bible, particularly in passages that reference God’s creation and control over the natural world.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 5:45: “So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun (ἥλιος) to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
• Revelation 21:23: “And the city has no need of the sun (ἥλιος) or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.”
• Mark 4:6: “When the sun (ἥλιος) had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἥλιος (G2246: hēlios)

The Greek word ἥλιος (hēlios) is a noun that directly translates to “sun.” It is used both in a literal sense to describe the celestial body and in a metaphorical sense to represent divine truth, enlightenment, and judgment. Throughout the New Testament and other ancient Greek literature, ἥλιος (hēlios) serves as a powerful symbol of God’s presence, power, and the illumination of truth. Its consistent use in various contexts makes it a word of significant interest for Biblical scholars and anyone interested in ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

• The word ἥλιος (hēlios) is the root for “heliocentric,” the astronomical model where the sun is at the center of the solar system.
• In Greek mythology, Helios was the personification of the sun, driving his chariot across the sky each day.
• The imagery of the sun is often used in the Bible to symbolize God’s faithfulness and unchanging nature, much like the sun’s daily rise and set.

By exploring the term ἥλιος (hēlios), one gains a richer understanding of how the Bible and ancient literature use natural phenomena as metaphors for divine truths.