Brief Overview of στίλβω (Strong’s G4744: stilbō)

Strong’s G4744: From a primary root meaning “to glisten”; to flash intensely, beam forth, shine brilliantly. Used to describe radiant, dazzling brightness, particularly in reference to supernatural or divine manifestations of glory, as seen in the Transfiguration of Jesus.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στίλβω (stilbō) captures the essence of supernatural radiance and divine glory. This verb describes an intense, gleaming brightness that transcends ordinary light. In its New Testament usage, it specifically describes the extraordinary brilliance of Jesus’ garments during the Transfiguration, emphasizing the manifestation of His divine nature. The word carries deep theological significance as it connects to the Old Testament theophanies where God’s presence was marked by extraordinary light. Early church fathers often referenced this word when discussing the divine nature of the Messiah and the transformation believers undergo through their relationship with Him. Today, στίλβω reminds us of the transformative power of encountering God’s glory and the future promise of our own transformation in His presence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στίλβω, stilbō, /stil’-bo/
• Detailed Pronunciation: STEEL-boh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root word: στιλβ- (stilb-) – primary root meaning “to glisten”
• -ω (-ō) – first person singular present active indicative ending
  The word is derived from a primitive root related to gleaming or flashing, suggesting an inherent connection to brilliant light.

D – Defining Meanings

• To shine, flash, or gleam intensely
• To beam forth with radiant brightness
• To glisten or sparkle with supernatural brilliance

For compound words: Not applicable as στίλβω is a simple verb form.

Translation Options:

1. “To shine brilliantly” – Best captures the supernatural intensity
2. “To radiate” – Emphasizes the outward emanation of light
3. “To gleam dazzlingly” – Conveys the overwhelming visual effect

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. λάμπω (lampō) /lam’-po/ – to give light, shine; focuses more on illumination than brilliance. See G2989
2. φαίνω (phainō) /fah’-ee-no/ – to appear, bring to light; emphasizes visibility. See G5316
3. φωτίζω (phōtizō) /fo-tid’-zo/ – to illuminate, enlighten; emphasizes the act of giving light. See G5461

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, στίλβω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The present tense indicates ongoing action, while the active voice shows the subject performing the action. In English, it would transform as:

• I shine (Present)
• I was shining (Imperfect)
• I will shine (Future)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines στίλβω as an intense gleaming or flashing, particularly of supernatural origin. Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to divine manifestations. LSJ notes its use in classical literature for describing celestial bodies and divine appearances. Vine’s connects it to the glorified state of the Messiah. Strong’s highlights its primary meaning of glistening. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri for describing brilliant light and metallic shine.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“And His garments became radiant [στίλβω] and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.” Mark 9:3

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στίλβω represents more than mere physical brilliance; it captures the transformative glory of God manifested in the Messiah. Its unique appearance in the Transfiguration narrative emphasizes the revelation of Jesus’ divine nature. This word reminds us that encountering God’s glory transforms us, pointing to the ultimate transformation promised to believers in the resurrection.

D – Did You Know?

1. Στίλβω is the root of the English word “stilbene,” a chemical compound known for its fluorescent properties.
2. In ancient Greek astronomy, it was used as a name for the planet Mercury due to its brilliant appearance.
3. The word appears only once in the New Testament but is used frequently in Greek literature to describe divine manifestations.

Strong’s G4744: From a primary root meaning “to glisten”; to flash intensely, beam forth, shine brilliantly. Used to describe radiant, dazzling brightness, particularly in reference to supernatural or divine manifestations of glory, as seen in the Transfiguration of Jesus.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: transfiguration, glory, divine-manifestation, light, radiance, supernatural-brilliance, theophany, divine-nature, transformation, Greek-verb​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​