Brief Overview of σελήνη (Strong’s G4582: selēnē)

Strong’s G4582: The moon, from an assumed root meaning “brightness.” In biblical usage, it appears primarily in apocalyptic contexts as a sign of cosmic events and divine sovereignty. Its darkening often symbolizes judgment or significant spiritual transitions in prophetic literature.

U- Unveiling the Word

σελήνη represents not just the physical moon but carries deep theological significance in biblical literature. First appearing in Matthew 24:29 in Jesus’ eschatological discourse, it symbolizes cosmic upheaval and divine intervention. Early church writers interpreted the moon’s darkening as both literal and symbolic, representing the overturning of earthly powers and the triumph of God’s kingdom. Today, it reminds us that all creation, including celestial bodies, serves God’s purposes and testifies to His sovereignty over both natural and spiritual realms.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σελήνη, selēnē, se-LAY-nay
• Detailed pronunciation: σελήνη is pronounced with stress on second syllable: ‘se’ as in set, ‘LAY’ as in lay, ‘nay’ as in nay
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From assumed root σέλας (selas) meaning “brightness”
• -ήνη (-ēnē): Suffix forming nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• The moon as a celestial body
• Moonlight
• A measure of time (lunar month)

For compound words:
Not applicable as σελήνη is a primary noun

Translation Options:

• “Moon” – Direct physical reference
• “Lunar body” – Scientific context
• “Moonlight” – When emphasizing illumination aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἥλιος (hēlios, HAY-lee-os) – sun See G2246
• ἀστήρ (astēr, as-TAIR) – star See G792
• οὐρανός (ouranos, oo-ran-OS) – heaven, sky See G3772

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular (rarely plural)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
Singular: σελήνη (nom), σελήνης (gen), σελήνῃ (dat), σελήνην (acc)
Plural: σελήναι (nom), σελήνων (gen), σελήναις (dat), σελήνας (acc)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σελήνη’s role in apocalyptic literature. Thayer’s notes its connection to brightness and light. LSJ documents its usage in astronomical contexts. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance in prophecy. Strong’s connects it to illumination. Moulton-Milligan shows its use in common language for dating events by lunar cycles.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:” Matthew 24:29

Additional References:
Mark 13:24, Luke 21:25, Acts 2:20, 1 Corinthians 15:41, Revelation 6:12, Revelation 8:12, Revelation 12:1, Revelation 21:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σελήνη points to both God’s creative power and His sovereign control over all creation. Its role in apocalyptic literature reminds us that even the most stable elements of creation are subject to His authority. Ultimately, in the New Jerusalem, we see that the moon’s light becomes unnecessary (Revelation 21:23) as God’s glory provides all illumination, pointing to Christ’s supreme radiance.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word σελήνη influenced modern scientific terms like “selenium,” discovered in 1817 and named for its moon-like luster.
2. Ancient Greek astronomers used σελήνη in calculating the first accurate measurements of lunar cycles.
3. Early Christian writers used the moon’s reflection of the sun’s light as an analogy for the church reflecting Christ’s glory.

Strong’s G4582: The moon, from an assumed root meaning “brightness.” In biblical usage, it appears primarily in apocalyptic contexts as a sign of cosmic events and divine sovereignty. Its darkening often symbolizes judgment or significant spiritual transitions in prophetic literature.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: moon, celestial bodies, apocalyptic signs, creation, divine sovereignty, eschatology, prophecy, cosmic signs, natural phenomena, biblical astronomy, revelation, end times​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​