Brief Overview of περιλάμπω (Strong’s G4034: perilampo)

Strong’s G4034: A compound verb combining περί (around) and λάμπω (to shine), meaning “to shine around, illuminate completely.” Used in the New Testament specifically for divine manifestations of glory, particularly in angelic appearances announcing Christ’s birth and appearing to Saul.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιλάμπω represents overwhelming divine illumination. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the brilliance of λάμπω, creating an image of complete supernatural illumination. In the New Testament, it appears in two significant theophanies: the angelic announcement to the shepherds and Saul’s Damascus road experience. The word carries deep theological significance, indicating divine revelation and heavenly glory breaking into earthly reality. Early church writers used it to describe both historical divine manifestations and ongoing spiritual illumination. Today, it reminds believers that God’s glory continues to break into human experience with transformative power.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιλάμπω, perilampo, [peh-ree-LAM-poh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-LAM-poh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• λάμπω (lampo): root verb meaning “to shine”
• Combined meaning: to shine around completely

D – Defining Meanings

• To shine around
• To illuminate completely
• To flash with heavenly light

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “completely around” to λάμπω “to shine,” emphasizing total illumination

Translation Options:

1. Shine around – Emphasizes encompassing light
2. Flash around – Captures sudden brilliance
3. Illuminate completely – Highlights thoroughness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λάμπω [lampo, LAM-poh] – simple “to shine”
• ἐκλάμπω [eklampo, ek-LAM-poh] – to shine forth
• καταλάμπω [katalampo, ka-ta-LAM-poh] – to shine down upon

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples: shine around, shines around, shone around, shining around

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its supernatural context. Thayer’s notes its use in divine manifestations. LSJ provides examples of brilliant illumination. Vine’s connects it to divine glory. Strong’s emphasizes complete illumination. Moulton and Milligan document its use in religious texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord [shone around] them.” (Luke 2:9)

Additional References:
Acts 26:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιλάμπω powerfully illustrates divine revelation and transformation. From announcing Christ’s birth to transforming Saul into Paul, this word shows how the good news of King Jesus brings heaven’s light into our darkness, completely illuminating and transforming lives.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient descriptions of divine epiphanies
2. Applied to both gradual dawn and sudden divine light
3. Influenced early Christian baptismal imagery of illumination

Strong’s G4034: Compound verb expressing complete supernatural illumination. Used exclusively for divine manifestations in the New Testament, particularly angelic appearances. Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of heavenly glory breaking into earthly reality.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #DivineLight #Glory #Revelation #Theophany #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Transformation #Angels #Illumination #Manifestation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​