Brief Overview of περιαστράπτω (Strong’s G4015: periastrapto)

Strong’s G4015: A compound verb combining περί (around) and ἀστράπτω (to flash like lightning), meaning “to flash around, shine around like lightning.” Used exclusively in Acts to describe the divine light that surrounded Paul during his Damascus Road encounter with the risen Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιαστράπτω represents a dramatic manifestation of divine glory through overwhelming light. This compound word combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the brilliant flashing of ἀστράπτω, creating a powerful image of complete supernatural illumination. In the New Testament, it appears only in accounts of Paul’s conversion, where it describes the overwhelming divine light that surrounded him. This word carries deep theological significance as it represents divine intervention, spiritual illumination, and transformative encounter with Christ. Early church writers often used this term to describe dramatic conversion experiences and moments of divine revelation, and today it continues to symbolize God’s power to dramatically intervene and transform lives.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιαστράπτω, periastrapto, [peh-ree-ah-STRAP-toh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-ah-STRAP-toh (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, completely”
• ἀστράπτω (astrapto): root verb meaning “to flash like lightning”
• Compound formation emphasizes all-encompassing lightning-like brilliance

D – Defining Meanings

• To flash around like lightning
• To shine around with brilliant light
• To encompass with supernatural brightness

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “all around” to ἀστράπτω “to flash like lightning,” creating the image of being completely surrounded by brilliant light

Translation Options:

1. Flash around – Emphasizes the sudden, dramatic nature
2. Shine around – Highlights the encompassing light
3. Blaze around – Captures both brilliance and completeness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀστράπτω [astrapto, ah-STRAP-toh] – “to flash,” without the surrounding aspect
• λάμπω [lampo, LAM-poh] – “to shine,” less intense than lightning-like flashing
• φαίνω [phaino, FAI-noh] – “to appear, shine,” more general illumination

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Aorist (in NT occurrences)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples: flash around, flashed around, flashing around

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its exclusively supernatural usage. Thayer’s notes its dramatic visual impact. LSJ connects it to natural lightning phenomena. Vine’s highlights its theophanic significance. Strong’s emphasizes the encompassing nature of the light. Moulton and Milligan note its rarity in non-biblical texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven [flashed around] him.” (Acts 9:3)

Additional References:
Acts 22:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιαστράπτω powerfully captures the transformative nature of divine encounter. Just as Paul was surrounded by supernatural light that changed his life forever, this word reminds us that the gospel of King Jesus breaks into our lives with overwhelming power and glory, capable of transforming even the most determined opponent into a devoted follower.

D – Did You Know?

1. One of the rarest words in the New Testament, appearing only twice
2. Used exclusively for supernatural rather than natural light phenomena
3. Became a metaphor in early Christian literature for conversion experiences

Strong’s G4015: Rare compound verb describing supernatural light completely surrounding a person. Used exclusively for Paul’s Damascus Road experience, emphasizing divine intervention through overwhelming celestial brilliance. Symbolizes transformative spiritual encounters.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #PaulConversion #DamascusRoad #DivineLight #Theophany #Transformation #Revelation #Supernatural #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #DivineManifestation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​