ἀστραπή (astrapē)
astrapē
lightning
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun astrape refers to the sudden, brilliant flash of lightning. In the New Testament, it appears nine times, primarily in the Gospels and Revelation. Matthew uses it to describe the rapidity of the Son of Man’s coming, comparing his arrival to lightning that flashes from east to west (Matthew 24:27). Luke employs the same image for the visibility of the kingdom of God, noting it will be seen in a single moment like lightning (Luke 17:24).
Revelation expands this imagery into a series of seven thunderbolts accompanying divine judgments (Revelation 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18). In one distinct usage, Jesus describes a lamp as shining with brightness like lightning when fully lit, suggesting clarity and the absence of darkness (Luke 11:36). The word conveys an unavoidable, illuminating power that reveals what was previously hidden.
Its root relates to shining or gleaming. While often translated simply as "lightning," the term emphasizes the visual impact of the flash rather than the storm itself. This distinction highlights how biblical authors use natural phenomena to illustrate spiritual truths about sudden revelation and divine presence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Lightning in Scripture is never just weather; it is a sudden, undeniable revelation of who God is. When Jesus compares His return to lightning flashing from east to west, He reminds us that His coming will be visible and unmistakable to all. This image strips away secrecy or hidden agendas. The truth of Christ’s authority does not need time to build up; it arrives with immediate clarity.
We also see this word used to describe the fall of Satan, showing that no power of darkness can withstand the sudden judgment of God. It serves as a reminder that spiritual realities are often more intense than our daily experiences suggest. The brilliance of that flash cuts through the darkest night, leaving no room for doubt about who holds ultimate power.
For your faith, this means you do not need to guess about the final outcome. The same light that exposes hidden darkness also guides those who walk in it. You can rest in the certainty that God’s justice and presence are real, powerful, and fully revealed in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lightning4×
- flashes of lightning4×
- shining1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀστραπαὶ4×
- ἀστραπὴ3×
- ἀστραπῇ1×
- ἀστραπὴν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 24:27
For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
This verse uses the word to emphasize the suddenness and universal visibility of Christ's return, contrasting it with hidden or gradual events.
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Luke 10:18
He said to them, “I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven.
Here, the term describes the swift and decisive fall of Satan, highlighting the power of Jesus' authority over spiritual forces.
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Revelation of John 4:5
Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
The lightnings proceeding from God's throne symbolize His active presence and judgment, linking divine glory with awe-inspiring power.