λύχνος (G3088) — Greek Lexicon

λύχνος

lýchnos

G3088 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A portable lamp, typically an earthenware or metal vessel designed to hold oil and a wick for producing light; also, more broadly, any object or device that provides illumination. In extension, it can refer metaphorically to a source of guidance, knowledge, or a bringer of understanding.

Semantic Range

oil lamp, small portable lamp, household lamp, source of light, means of illumination, metaphorically: source of guidance or enlightenment

Root / Etymology

From root λυχ-; ultimately of Pre-Greek or uncertain origin, but possibly distantly related to λευκός (white, bright), though this connection is speculative and not linguistically secure. The word λύχνος does not directly derive from λευκός in standard etymology.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, λύχνος refers specifically to a small oil lamp, a common household item providing light. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is often paired with terminology for oil (ἔλαιον) or placed on a λυχνία (lampstand). In metaphorical use, particularly in Septuagint and New Testament contexts, λύχνος becomes an image of spiritual or moral illumination, as in Matthew 5:15 ('No one lights a λύχνος and puts it under a bushel') and elsewhere as a symbol of guidance or the enlightening function of teaching and truth. English translations have often used 'lamp' or less accurately 'candle' (the latter being anachronistic for the period). The meaning in Koine remained practical but frequently took on secondary metaphorical senses. The term is distinct from φῶς (light in its abstract sense) and φανός (torch), with λύχνος emphasizing the specific device or vessel providing light.

Translation Consistency

primary "lamp" 14 occurrences

λύχνος is most commonly a small, portable oil lamp or source of light; 'lamp' is the natural, everyday English noun that captures both the literal device and the common metaphorical sense (a source of guidance/light). It is the dominant rendering in the P2 data and will produce clear, consistent translations across forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of λευκός; a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively):--candle, light.

Root Family

λυχ- (lýchnos) — lamp, source of light

Root λυχ- lamp, source of light

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3088-04`	λύχνος	luchnos	`N NOM M SG`	lamp	the lamp	lamp	6
`G3088-03`	λύχνον	luchnon	`N ACC M SG`	lamp	a lamp	a lamp	4
`G3088-05`	λύχνου	luchnou	`N GEN M SG`	of a lamp	of a lamp	of a lamp	2
`G3088-01`	λύχνῳ	luchno	`N DAT M SG`	a lamp	to a lamp	to a lamp	1
`G3088-02`	λύχνοι	luchnoi	`N NOM M PL`	lamps	portable lamps	portable lamps	1

Occurrences in Scripture

14 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3088-03`	Matthew 5:15	λύχνον	luchnon	`N ACC M SG`	lamp	a lamp	a lamp
`G3088-04`	Matthew 6:22	λύχνος	luchnos	`N NOM M SG`	lamp	the lamp	lamp
`G3088-04`	Mark 4:21	λύχνος	luchnos	`N NOM M SG`	lamp	the lamp	lamp
`G3088-03`	Luke 8:16	λύχνον	luchnon	`N ACC M SG`	lamp	a lamp	a lamp
`G3088-03`	Luke 11:33	λύχνον	luchnon	`N ACC M SG`	lamp	a lamp	a lamp
`G3088-04`	Luke 11:34	λύχνος	luchnos	`N NOM M SG`	lamp	the lamp	lamp
`G3088-04`	Luke 11:36	λύχνος	luchnos	`N NOM M SG`	lamp	the lamp	lamp
`G3088-02`	Luke 12:35	λύχνοι	luchnoi	`N NOM M PL`	lamps	portable lamps	portable lamps
`G3088-03`	Luke 15:8	λύχνον	luchnon	`N ACC M SG`	a lamp	a lamp	a lamp
`G3088-04`	John 5:35	λύχνος	luchnos	`N NOM M SG`	lamp	the lamp	lamp
`G3088-01`	2 Peter 1:19	λύχνῳ	luchno	`N DAT M SG`	a lamp	to a lamp	to a lamp
`G3088-05`	Revelation 18:23	λύχνου	luchnou	`N GEN M SG`	of a lamp	of a lamp	of a lamp
`G3088-04`	Revelation 21:23	λύχνος	luchnos	`N NOM M SG`	lamp	the lamp	lamp
`G3088-05`	Revelation 22:5	λύχνου	luchnou	`N GEN M SG`	of a lamp	of a lamp	of a lamp

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