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διαυγής (diaugēs)

diaugēs

translucent

G6897 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The adjective diaugēs describes something that is translucent or transparent, allowing light to pass through clearly. This rare word appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 21:21, where it characterizes the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem as being made of single pearls.

Its meaning derives from the root augē, meaning "light" or "brightness," combined with dia, indicating passage through. The sources note that this term emphasizes the quality of letting light shine through rather than merely reflecting it, creating a vivid image of purity and clarity in the heavenly city's architecture.

Translators typically render this word as "transparent" or "clear," capturing the sense of unobstructed visibility. By using such specific language for the gates, the text highlights the perfection and brilliance of the holy city, where nothing obscures the divine light that fills it.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word diaugēs captures a quality of light passing through without obstruction. In Revelation 21:21, it describes the street of the New Jerusalem as pure gold that looks like transparent glass. This imagery suggests a reality where nothing hides or blocks the divine presence. The city is not darkened by shadows or impurities.

For your faith, this offers a picture of ultimate clarity and peace. It points to a future where the veil between heaven and earth is fully lifted. You can trust that God’s light will one day shine through all things clearly. This hope brings comfort when life feels confusing or obscured.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • translucent.1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • διαυγής.1×

Key Verses

  • Revelation of John 21:21
    The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

    The term describes the street as transparent glass, emphasizing that the holiness of the city allows divine light to pass through without any obstruction or distortion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does diaugēs mean in the Bible?

Diaugēs is a Greek adjective meaning translucent or transparent. It appears only once in the New Testament, describing the street of the New Jerusalem as pure gold that looks like clear glass. The word emphasizes light passing through without obstruction.

Why is this word significant in Revelation 21?

It highlights the perfection and purity of the holy city. By describing the street as diaugēs, the text shows that nothing obscures the divine light. This imagery reinforces the idea of a place where God’s presence is fully visible and unhidden.

How does diaugēs differ from other words for light?

While many Greek words describe light itself, diaugēs focuses on the quality of transparency. It suggests that an object allows light to pass through it clearly, rather than just reflecting it. This creates a vivid image of clarity and openness.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)