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λαμπρός

lamprós

G2986 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root λαμπ- to shine, to emit light, to be bright

Definition

Having brightness, radiance, or splendor; used of physical objects to denote shining, gleaming, or manifest brilliance; by extension, describing something splendid, sumptuous, or magnificent in appearance. In figurative contexts, may indicate greatness, excellence, or distinguished status.

Semantic Range

bright, radiant, shining, splendid, magnificent, sumptuous, splendidly attired, fine (in reference to clothing), brilliant in appearance, distinguished

Root / Etymology

From the same root as λαμπάς (torch, lamp), connected to the verb λάμπω (to shine). The root relates to brightness or emitting light.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, λαμπρός primarily describes objects or phenomena that shine or emit light, such as metals, stars, or torches. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts, the word frequently expands to describe things notable for their visual splendor or magnificence—such as clothing, feasts, or buildings—rather than merely literal luminosity. In the Septuagint and the New Testament (e.g., Luke 23:11; James 2:2–3), it commonly refers to splendid or fine clothing, implying social or ceremonial distinction. English translations may render it as "bright," "splendid," "gorgeous," "shining," or (of clothing) "fine" or "brilliant," yet none fully cover both the literal and metaphorical senses. Compared to related terms—such as φωτεινός (full of light) or ἔνδοξος (glorious)—λαμπρός emphasizes visible, external brilliance or resplendence, whether observed in appearance, clothing, or ceremonious context. Its semantic range overlaps with other terms indicating visual impressiveness, but it does not primarily denote internal moral or spiritual qualities.

Translation Consistency

primary "radiant" 7 occurrences

Captures the primary sense of shining, brilliant, and splendid both literally (shining, gleaming) and figuratively (magnificent, distinguished). More specific than 'bright' and matches the majority of attested renderings, while naturally fitting contexts like clothing or status.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"bright" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as λαμπάς; radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance):--bright, clear, gay, goodly, gorgeous, white.

Root Family

λαμπρός (lampros) — bright, radiant, shining, splendid, magnificent

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2986-01 λαμπρᾷ lampra ADJ.A DAT F SG fine radiant radiant 3
G2986-03 λαμπρὸν lampron ADJ.A ACC N SG bright radiant radiant 3
G2986-02 λαμπρὰν lampran ADJ.A ACC F SG fine radiant radiant 2
G2986-04 λαμπρός lampros ADJ.R NOM M SG bright radiantly bright 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2986-02 Luke 23:11 λαμπρὰν lampran ADJ.A ACC F SG gorgeous radiant radiant
G2986-01 Acts 10:30 λαμπρᾷ lampra ADJ.A DAT F SG bright radiant bright
G2986-01 James 2:2 λαμπρᾷ lampra ADJ.A DAT F SG fine radiant radiant
G2986-02 James 2:3 λαμπρὰν lampran ADJ.R ACC F SG fine radiant radiant
G2986-03 Revelation 15:6 λαμπρὸν lampron ADJ.A ACC N SG bright radiant radiant
G2986-01 Revelation 18:14 λαμπρὰ lampra ADJ.S NOM N PL goodly things radiant radiant
G2986-03 Revelation 19:8 λαμπρὸν lampron ADJ.A ACC N SG bright radiant radiant
G2986-03 Revelation 22:1 λαμπρὸν lampron ADJ.S ACC M SG clear radiant radiant
G2986-04 Revelation 22:16 λαμπρός lampros ADJ.R NOM M SG bright radiantly bright
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