λάμπω (lampō)
lampō
to shine
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb lampō simply means to shine or emit light. It appears six times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Paul’s letters. The word describes a physical brightness that is visible and undeniable, whether it is the glow of a lamp or the radiance of a person.
Its usage highlights sudden, divine illumination. In Luke 17:24, Jesus compares his coming to lightning that flashes from one end of the sky to the other, emphasizing visibility and speed. Similarly, in Acts 12:7, an angel’s appearance in prison is marked by a light that shines around Peter, signaling a miraculous intervention. Paul also uses it metaphorically in 2 Corinthians 4:6, where God commands light to shine out of darkness, bringing spiritual knowledge.
The term carries theological weight by associating truth and divine presence with literal brightness. It is not used for subtle or hidden things but for revelation that breaks into the ordinary world. Translators consistently render it as "shine," preserving the directness of the original image without adding abstract interpretation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lampō describes a light that cannot be hidden. It is not a faint glow but a clear, undeniable shine. When you read about this brightness in Scripture, it reminds us that God’s truth and presence break into our lives with clarity. Just as a lamp on a stand illuminates a whole room, the light of Christ is meant to be seen by everyone around you.
This visibility is not for show but for witness. In Luke 17:24, Jesus compares His return to lightning that shines from one end of the sky to the other. This image shows that divine revelation is sudden and universal. It does not wait for us to find it; it comes to us. We are invited to reflect this light through our actions, pointing others to the Father.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:6 that God shines light into our hearts. This inner illumination brings knowledge of His glory. It is a gentle but powerful work that dispels darkness and confusion. You do not need to generate this light yourself. Instead, you can rest in the fact that God has already shone in your heart, giving you hope and understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shone3×
- will shine,1×
- should shine1×
- shines,1×
- it shines1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔλαμψεν3×
- λάμψει,1×
- λάμπει,1×
- λάμπει1×
- λαμψάτω1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
This verse connects visible good works directly to the glory of God, showing that our conduct should reflect His light clearly.
-
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.
Jesus uses the image of lightning shining across the sky to emphasize the sudden and undeniable nature of His return.
-
Acts 12:7
And 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.
The light shining in the prison cell marks a moment of miraculous intervention, highlighting God's power to free and awaken.
-
II Corinthians 4:6
seeing 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.
Paul describes God shining into hearts to give spiritual knowledge, linking physical light with inner revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does lampō mean in the Bible?
How is lampō different from phos?
Where does lampō appear in Scripture?
Why does Jesus use lampō for His return?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
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…
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.