Celestial Signs: φέγγος (Strong’s G5338: phengos) Reveals Divine Authority

Strong’s G5338: A noun meaning “light, brightness, radiance,” particularly of celestial bodies. Used in apocalyptic contexts describing cosmic signs. Represents the created luminaries whose dimming signals divine intervention. Significant in eschatological discourse about God’s sovereign power.

U- Unveiling the Word

The noun φέγγος specifically denotes light or brightness, particularly of celestial bodies such as the moon. In its New Testament usage, it appears in apocalyptic contexts where the dimming of celestial lights signals divine intervention. The word carries special significance in eschatological discourse, where changes in heavenly luminaries indicate God’s sovereignty over creation. The early church understood φέγγος as representing both literal celestial light and symbolic divine authority. Today, this word reminds us that all created light sources remain under God’s control and serve His purposes in both sustaining creation and signaling His interventions.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φέγγος, phengos, feng’-gos
• Pronunciation Guide: feng (as in “feng shui”) + gos (as in “ghost”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From primitive root meaning “to shine”
• -ος (-os): nominal suffix
  Forms a noun indicating light or brightness

D – Defining Meanings

• Light
• Brightness
• Radiance
• Celestial light

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a primary noun

Translation Options:

• “Light” – emphasizes basic illumination
• “Radiance” – captures emanating quality
• “Brightness” – stresses intensity aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φῶς (phōs, foce) – light See G5457
• λαμπρότης (lamprotēs, lam-prot’-ace) – brightness See G2987
• αὐγή (augē, ow-gay’) – daylight See G827

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: φέγγος
• Genitive: φέγγους
• Dative: φέγγει
• Accusative: φέγγος

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich understanding of φέγγος. BDAG emphasizes its use for celestial light, particularly moonlight. Thayer’s notes its appearance in eschatological contexts. LSJ documents its classical usage for various forms of light and brightness. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its connection to cosmic signs. Strong’s connects it to the concept of illumination. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in describing natural phenomena. The term specifically denotes light emanating from a source rather than light in general.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 24:29: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light [φέγγος], the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

Additional References:
Mark 13:24, Luke 11:33

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φέγγος powerfully illustrates God’s sovereignty over creation, particularly celestial bodies. In apocalyptic contexts, the dimming of this light signals divine intervention and judgment. The good news is that King Jesus, who controls these cosmic lights, is also the unchanging Light of the World. While created lights may fade, His light remains constant, offering eternal illumination to those who follow Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. φέγγος was particularly associated with moonlight in ancient Greek literature.
2. Early Christian apocalyptic writers used this term in visions of the end times.
3. The word influenced early Christian discussions of celestial symbolism.

Strong’s G5338: A noun meaning “light, brightness, radiance,” particularly of celestial bodies. Used in apocalyptic contexts describing cosmic signs. Represents the created luminaries whose dimming signals divine intervention. Significant in eschatological discourse about God’s sovereign power.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: light, celestial-bodies, apocalyptic-signs, divine-intervention, moon, sun, stars, eschatology, cosmic-signs, divine-sovereignty, creation, judgment, end-times, brightness, radiance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​