Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it allows for a more nuanced comprehension of the original texts. The Greek word ἐπιφαύσκω (epiphaúskō), meaning “to shine upon” or “to dawn,” is particularly significant in Biblical and ancient Greek contexts. This verb is often used metaphorically to describe the arrival of something new or enlightening, such as a new day or a divine revelation. Its usage in the New Testament and other Greek literature helps readers grasp the cultural and spiritual significance of light and revelation in ancient times.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιφαύσκω (epiphaúskō) [eh-pee-FAO-skoh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπι- (epi-), meaning “upon,” and φαύσκω (phaúskō), an ancient form meaning “to shine” or “to appear.” Thus, epiphaúskō conveys the idea of “shining upon” or “illuminating.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; used primarily in the active voice and middle voice, with some inflectional variations depending on tense and mood.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Shine Upon: To emit light onto something, giving it visibility.
• To Dawn: To appear or emerge as in the breaking of a new day.
• To Enlighten or Reveal: Metaphorically used to indicate the coming of knowledge, truth, or spiritual revelation.

Similar Words: φωτίζω (phōtízō) [fo-TEE-zo], meaning “to illuminate” or “to enlighten,” is a related verb but often carries a broader sense of providing light or making something clear. ἐπιφαύσκω is more focused on the concept of the initial act of shining upon or dawning, suggesting a new beginning or revelation.

Further Insights: The word ἐπιφαύσκω follows regular verb conjugations in ancient Greek, with changes based on tense (present, aorist), voice (active, middle), and mood (indicative, subjunctive, imperative). Below is a simplified table showing some of the primary conjugations in the present tense:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
epiphaúskō is defined as “to shine upon” or “to give light,” emphasizing its use in contexts where the action of light appearing or revealing is central. The term is also used metaphorically to suggest divine enlightenment or understanding.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epiphaúskō as “to dawn” or “to shine upon,” specifically in contexts that involve the beginning of something new, such as a day or a divine revelation.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epiphaúskō often appears in passages that depict the appearance of light, either literally (as in the morning sun) or figuratively (as in the enlightenment brought by divine truth).

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights the usage of epiphaúskō in classical Greek to denote both literal and metaphorical shining, including uses in describing the dawn or moments of significant realization or visibility.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epiphaúskō as “to dawn” or “to shine,” especially in the sense of something that becomes clear or apparent, both in physical and spiritual senses.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 1:78: “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light [ἐπιφαύσκω (epiphaúskō)] to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”
• 2 Peter 1:19: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth [ἐπιφαύσκω (epiphaúskō)] in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιφαύσκω (G2017: epiphaúskō)

The Greek word ἐπιφαύσκω (epiphaúskō), meaning “to shine upon” or “to dawn,” is a verb that captures the essence of light breaking into darkness, both literally and metaphorically. In Biblical contexts, it often describes the coming of divine light or revelation, emphasizing moments of enlightenment or new beginnings. Its use in classical Greek literature similarly focuses on moments of revelation or the appearance of light, whether in a literal sense (as in the dawn) or a metaphorical sense (as in intellectual or spiritual illumination). Understanding epiphaúskō enriches the reader’s appreciation of how the concept of light is portrayed in both sacred and secular texts of the ancient world.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιφαύσκω (epiphaúskō) shares its root with the English word “epiphany,” which means a moment of sudden revelation or insight? In Greek, the term refers to the action of shining upon or dawning, often symbolizing the arrival of new understanding or divine presence. This connection highlights the powerful imagery of light breaking into darkness, a motif prevalent in both ancient and modern literature.