λάμπω
lámpō
G2989 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To emit light, shine, or be radiant—of a physical object giving off light; figuratively, of persons or things exhibiting brilliance or distinction. The primary sense is of visible light emission, but in literary and metaphorical contexts it can refer to showing forth excellence, virtue, or notable quality.
Semantic Range
to emit light, to shine (literal); to be radiant, to beam; to be illustrious, to stand out; to display virtue or excellence (figurative)
Root / Etymology
From the root λᾰμπ-, related to producing or giving off light. Cognate with Latin 'lampas' and English 'lamp', via adoption from Greek. The word itself is native Greek, not a loanword.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, λάμπω appears from Homeric times (e.g., Iliad, Odyssey), usually describing the shining of the sun, moon, stars, fire, or metal. The sense of visible radiance is primary. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, λάμπω retains the primary sense ('to shine, to emit light') but is also used metaphorically for moral or personal radiance, e.g., a righteous person's deeds 'shining' before others (cf. Mt 5:16). The figurative extension—denoting conspicuousness, outstanding virtue, or renown—is common in both pagan and Jewish Greek literature. English versions often render the term as 'shine' or 'give light,' but the metaphorical sense may be underemphasized in translation. Distinguished from φαίνω ('to appear, to make visible'), which emphasizes manifestation, and φέγγω/φωτίζω, which stress the act of illuminating or enlightening.
Translation Consistency
"Shine" is the natural, common English verb that covers both the literal sense (emit light, be radiant) and the frequent figurative uses (stand out, display excellence). It matches the majority of existing renderings (shone/shines) and is more idiomatic than alternatives like "radiate" or the context-specific "let."
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primary verb; to beam, i.e. radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively):--give light, shine.
Root Family
λάμπω (lampō) — to shine, to give light, to radiate
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2989-01 |
ἔλαμψεν | elampsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
shone | radiated | shone | 3 |
G2989-02 |
λάμπει | lampei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
shines | shines | shines | 2 |
G2989-04 |
λάμψει | lampsei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
shall shine | will shine | will shine | 1 |
G2989-03 |
λαμψάτω | lampsato | V AOR ACT IMP 3P SG |
let shine | Let him shine | let shine | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2989-02 |
Matthew 5:15 | λάμπει | lampei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
shines | shines | shines |
G2989-03 |
Matthew 5:16 | λαμψάτω | lampsato | V AOR ACT IMP 3P SG |
let shine | Let him shine | let shine |
G2989-01 |
Matthew 17:2 | ἔλαμψεν | elampsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
shone | radiated | shone |
G2989-02 |
Luke 17:24 | λάμπει | lampei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
shines | shines | shines |
G2989-01 |
Acts 12:7 | ἔλαμψεν | elampsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
shone | radiated | shone |
G2989-04 |
2 Corinthians 4:6 | λάμψει | lampsei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
shall shine | will shine | will shine |
G2989-01 |
2 Corinthians 4:6 | ἔλαμψεν | elampsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
has shone | radiated | shone |