1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Augázō

Root Words: The Greek word αὐγάζω (Augázō) is derived from αὐγή (augē), meaning “brightness” or “radiance.”

Primary Meanings:

• To Shine: To cause to shine or to make something radiant.
• To Illuminate: To bring light or enlightenment, metaphorically or literally.
• To Brighten: To enhance the brightness or clarity of something.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines αὐγάζω as a term meaning “to shine” or “to bring light.” It highlights the use of the word in both literal and metaphorical contexts, emphasizing its role in imparting brightness or clarity.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes αὐγάζω as meaning “to shine upon” or “to bring light to.” It notes its usage in various contexts where something is illuminated or made more visible.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary provides a brief definition, identifying αὐγάζω as “to shine” or “to give light,” and emphasizes its application in both physical and figurative senses.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon confirms the meaning of αὐγάζω as “to shine” or “to cause to shine,” noting its usage in literature for describing the act of making something bright or radiant.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies αὐγάζω as “to shine” or “to give light,” including its implications for both literal and metaphorical brightness.

Bible Verses:

• Luke 11:36 (KJV): “If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.”
• Here, αὐγάζω is used in the context of illumination and brightness, highlighting the metaphorical use of bringing light to understanding or perception.
• 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.”
• This verse uses αὐγάζω to illustrate the concept of prophecy and divine enlightenment.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In The Iliad, Homer employs related terms to describe light and radiance, contributing to the understanding of αὐγάζω in literary contexts.
• Sophocles: In plays such as Oedipus Rex, Sophocles uses terms related to brightness and clarity to convey deeper meanings, paralleling the use of αὐγάζω.
• Aristotle: In Meteorology, Aristotle discusses light and its effects, reflecting the conceptual use of αὐγάζω for illuminating or enlightening.

4. Summary:

αὐγάζω (Augázō) primarily means “to shine” or “to cause to be radiant,” encompassing both literal and metaphorical applications. Its usage in classical Greek literature and biblical texts highlights its role in illumination and enlightenment. Understanding αὐγάζω provides insight into how light and brightness are metaphorically used to represent clarity, knowledge, and divine influence.