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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential for deeper insight into Biblical studies because the original language carries meanings and connotations that are often lost in translation. The Greek word λάμπω (lampō), first appearing in Matthew 5:15, is particularly significant as it means “to shine” or “to give light.” This verb appears in contexts that are both literal and metaphorical, making it an important term in interpreting New Testament passages, especially those related to the themes of light, revelation, and divine presence. In ancient Greek culture, light symbolized knowledge, truth, and purity, providing a rich background for understanding how this word is employed in Scripture.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: λάμπω, transliterated as lampō [pronounced: LAM-poh].

Etymology: The root of λάμπω (lampō) is connected to the Proto-Indo-European root leuk- which means “light” or “brightness.” This root is also the source of many related words in both Greek and English, such as “lamp,” “luminous,” and “illuminate.” The verb λάμπω means “to shine” or “to give off light,” emphasizing the idea of emitting brightness or radiance.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, λάμπω describes an action—specifically, the action of shining or emitting light. It appears in various tenses, voices, and moods, depending on its usage in a sentence, which reflects the manner, time, and nature of the shining.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Shine or Radiate Light: The primary meaning of λάμπω is “to shine” or “to radiate light.” This can refer to both physical light, such as the light from a lamp or a star, and metaphorical light, such as spiritual enlightenment or divine revelation.

2. To Become Visible or Manifest: Another sense of λάμπω is “to become visible” or “to manifest,” which implies something being revealed or coming into view by its own brightness. This usage often appears in poetic or metaphorical contexts.

3. To Display Brilliance or Excellence: In a more figurative sense, λάμπω can also mean “to display brilliance” or “to shine forth” in terms of character or virtue, suggesting that someone’s actions or qualities are as apparent and attractive as a bright light.

Exploring Similar Words

1. φαίνω (phainō) [pronunciation: FAI-noh]: This verb means “to appear” or “to become visible” and is often used for things that become visible by shining or manifesting. While similar to λάμπω, phainō is more about the appearance or revelation than the continuous action of shining.

2. φωτίζω (phōtizō) [pronunciation: fo-TI-zo]: Meaning “to give light” or “to enlighten,” this word emphasizes the act of illuminating or providing light to something else. Unlike λάμπω, which describes shining in and of itself, phōtizō focuses more on the effect of lighting up something.

3. ἀστράπτω (astraptō) [pronunciation: as-TRAP-toh]: This verb means “to flash like lightning” or “to gleam.” It conveys a sudden, intense burst of light, unlike the steadier, ongoing light described by λάμπω.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Morphology: As a verb, λάμπω is conjugated according to tense, voice, and mood. It is commonly used in the present active indicative form but can appear in other forms as well. Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word λάμπω is widely used in both New Testament and classical Greek literature to denote light and its metaphors. In the New Testament, it often conveys spiritual illumination or divine truth. For example, in Matthew 5:15, Jesus uses λάμπω to teach that just as a lamp shines to give light to all in the house, so should the light of a believer shine before others. The term also has theological implications in the context of God’s revelation and the visibility of His truth. In classical Greek, λάμπω can describe everything from the brightness of stars to the metaphorical brilliance of someone’s character or achievements.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 5:15: “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light [λάμπει] unto all that are in the house.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word λάμπω (lampō) means “to shine” or “to give light” and is used both literally and metaphorically in Biblical and classical contexts. It captures the essence of emitting light, whether physical or spiritual, making it a key term in understanding many of Jesus’ teachings about visibility, testimony, and divine truth. λάμπω serves as a rich theological metaphor for God’s revelation, human enlightenment, and the call to reflect God’s light to the world.

Did You Know?

1. The root of λάμπω (lampō) is the same root for the English word “lamp,” emphasizing its connection to emitting light.
2. In the Septuagint, λάμπω is used to describe the radiance of Moses’ face after encountering God, highlighting its deep theological and spiritual significance.
3. The concept of shining is central to many of Jesus’ parables and teachings, where light is often used to represent truth, purity, and divine revelation.