ἀστράπτω (astraptō)
astraptō
to flash
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb astrapto describes the sudden, dazzling flash of light, much like lightning breaking across the sky. Its meaning is rooted in the Greek word for star or lightning bolt, capturing a momentary but intense burst of brilliance. In Scripture, this action is not subtle; it is a visible, powerful display that demands attention.
Jesus uses this vivid imagery to describe His return, noting that just as lightning flashes from one end of the sky to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day (Luke 17:24). The word conveys an inevitability and a universal visibility. It is not a hidden event but one that illuminates everything, leaving no corner in darkness.
Translators typically render this as "flash" or "lightning," preserving the sense of rapid, bright movement. The term appears only twice in the New Testament, both within Luke’s Gospel, emphasizing the dramatic nature of divine revelation. It serves as a stark contrast to quiet or gradual changes, highlighting the suddenness of God’s intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word astrapto captures the sudden, brilliant flash of lightning that splits the sky. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus uses this image to describe His return. He says it will be as visible and undeniable as lightning shining from one end of the heavens to the other. This is not a quiet or hidden event. It is a moment of total clarity that leaves no room for doubt.
For your faith, this brings a sense of secure hope. You do not need to wonder if God’s plan will come to pass or if His truth will remain hidden. The same power that illuminates the darkest night with a flash of light will reveal Christ in full glory. This certainty allows you to live with confidence, knowing that the final chapter is already written and will be seen by all.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is flashing1×
- dazzling.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀστράπτουσα1×
- ἀστραπτούσῃ.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 17:24
for 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.
This verse uses the word to emphasize the suddenness and universal visibility of Christ's return, comparing it to lightning that shines across the entire sky.
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Luke 24:4
While they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing.
Here the related noun form describes the dazzling clothing of the angels at the empty tomb, highlighting the supernatural brilliance associated with divine presence.