περιαστράπτω (periastraptō)
periastraptō
to shine
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb periastraptō describes a sudden, dazzling flash of light that surrounds or circles something. Derived from roots meaning "around" and "lightning," it conveys an intense, radiant brilliance rather than a steady glow. In the New Testament, this word is used sparingly to depict divine manifestations, capturing the overwhelming visual impact of God’s presence.
Its most notable usage appears in Acts, where it describes the light that flashed around Saul as he approached Damascus (Acts 9:3; 22:6). This imagery emphasizes the suddenness and intensity of the encounter, suggesting a divine power that envelops the observer. Translators typically render this as "shone round about" or "flashed around," preserving the sense of an all-encompassing, brilliant radiance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word periastraptō describes a sudden, dazzling flash of light that surrounds something completely. It is not a gentle glow but an intense brilliance that captures attention instantly. In Acts 9:3 and 22:6, this word paints the scene where Saul encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. The light did not just illuminate his path; it enveloped him, leaving no room for doubt about the source of the vision.
For your faith, this imagery reminds us that God’s presence can be overwhelming and undeniable. Just as the light surrounded Saul, divine encounters often break into our lives with clarity and power. We do not need to manufacture these moments or search endlessly for signs. When God chooses to reveal Himself, He does so with a brilliance that changes everything.
This sudden radiance invites us to trust in His initiative. You may experience seasons where clarity comes unexpectedly, cutting through confusion. In those times, remember that the same power that shone around Saul is available to you. Let this promise encourage your heart as you walk in faith, knowing that God’s light is always sufficient.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shining1×
- flashed around1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιήστραψεν1×
- περιαστράψαι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:3
As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
This occurrence marks the pivotal moment of Saul's conversion, where the surrounding light signifies divine authority and interrupts his mission.
-
Acts 22:6
“As I made my journey and came close to Damascus, about noon suddenly a great light shone around me from the sky.
Paul recounts this same event later, using the word to emphasize the suddenness and heavenly origin of the vision he witnessed.