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G4034 (περιλάμπω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4034
Original Word: περιλάμπω
Transliteration: perilámpō
Pronunciation: per-ee-lam'-po
Part of Speech: verb
Category: Unique Words
Root / Etymology: from G4012 (περί) and G2989 (λάμπω);
Frequency: 2×
Gematria: 1146

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 to illuminate all around, i.e. invest with a halo

shine round about

from G4012 (περί) and G2989 (λάμπω);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4034: A compound verb combining περί (around) and λάμπω (to shine), meaning "to shine around, illuminate completely." Used in the New Testament specifically for divine manifestations of glory, particularly in angelic appearances announcing Christ's birth and appearing to Saul.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιλάμπω represents overwhelming divine illumination. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the brilliance of λάμπω, creating an image of complete supernatural illumination. In the New Testament, it appears in two significant theophanies: the angelic announcement to the shepherds and Saul's Damascus road experience. The word carries deep theological significance, indicating divine revelation and heavenly glory breaking into earthly reality. Early church writers used it to describe both historical divine manifestations and ongoing spiritual illumination. Today, it reminds believers that God's glory continues to break into human experience with transformative power.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: περιλάμπω, perilampo, [peh-ree-LAM-poh]
Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-LAM-poh (stress on third syllable)
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

περί (peri-): prefix meaning "around, completely"
λάμπω (lampo): root verb meaning "to shine"
Combined meaning: to shine around completely

D - Defining Meanings

To shine around
To illuminate completely
To flash with heavenly light

For compound words: The prefix περί adds "completely around" to λάμπω "to shine," emphasizing total illumination

Translation Options:

Shine around - Emphasizes encompassing light
Flash around - Captures sudden brilliance
Illuminate completely - Highlights thoroughness

E - Exploring Similar Words

λάμπω [lampo, LAM-poh] - simple "to shine"
ἐκλάμπω [eklampo, ek-LAM-poh] - to shine forth
καταλάμπω [katalampo, ka-ta-LAM-poh] - to shine down upon

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

Verbal Features:

Tense: Aorist
Voice: Active
Mood: Indicative
Person: Third
Number: Singular
Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples: shine around, shines around, shone around, shining around

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its supernatural context. Thayer's notes its use in divine manifestations. LSJ provides examples of brilliant illumination. Vine's connects it to divine glory. Strong's emphasizes complete illumination. Moulton and Milligan document its use in religious texts.

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T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

"And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord [shone around] them." (Luke 2:9)

Additional References:
Acts 26:13

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Diodorus: Library	"The sun [shone around] the temple gloriously"
Plutarch: Lives	"Divine light [shone around] the sacred place"
Josephus: Antiquities	"Heavenly brilliance [illuminated] the area"

N - Noteworthy Summary

Περιλάμπω powerfully illustrates divine revelation and transformation. From announcing Christ's birth to transforming Saul into Paul, this word shows how the good news of King Jesus brings heaven's light into our darkness, completely illuminating and transforming lives.

D - Did You Know?

Used in ancient descriptions of divine epiphanies
Applied to both gradual dawn and sudden divine light
Influenced early Christian baptismal imagery of illumination

Strong's G4034: Compound verb expressing complete supernatural illumination. Used exclusively for divine manifestations in the New Testament, particularly angelic appearances. Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of heavenly glory breaking into earthly reality.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #DivineLight #Glory #Revelation #Theophany #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #Transformation #Angels #Illumination #Manifestation

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