λάμπω
lampō
to shine
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word λάμπω (lampō) means "to shine." This verb is used 7 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in conveying a sense of light and illumination. The meaning of λάμπω is straightforward, but its usage reveals a range of contexts, from physical light to metaphorical insight. In the Bible, λάμπω is used to describe physical light, such as the sun shining (e.g., Matthew 17:2) or a lamp burning (e.g., Mark 4:21). However, it is also used metaphorically to describe spiritual enlightenment, as in the phrase "the light of the world" (e.g., John 8:12). This dual nature of λάμπω highlights its significance in conveying the idea of illumination and understanding. The limited number of occurrences of λάμπω in the Bible suggests that it is a focused and precise term, used to convey a specific idea or concept. Its usage in various contexts, from physical to metaphorical, underscores its versatility and importance in conveying the idea of light and understanding.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences across the text
Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
Matthew 5:16Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 17:2He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.
Luke 17:24for as the lightning, when it flashes out of one part under the sky, shines to another part under the sky; so will the Son of Man be in his day.
Acts 12:7And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands.
2 Corinthians 4:6seeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6seeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.