στίλβω
stílbō
G4744 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To shine with a bright or brilliant light, to emit a gleam or flash; used for surfaces that reflect or emit a strong, often dazzling, light. In various contexts, may refer specifically to the shine or luster from polished metal or a radiant physical appearance, especially in descriptions of dazzling whiteness or supernatural brilliance.
Semantic Range
to shine brilliantly, to gleam or glitter, to emit a dazzling brightness, to flash intensely, of a dazzling white luster, of metallic or radiant appearance
Root / Etymology
The root is στίλβ- (stilb-). The word is considered a primary verb in Greek, not derived from a known noun or adjective, but related to compounds and derivatives denoting brightness or brilliance, such as στίλβη (brightness, luster) and στιλβώδης (shining, gleaming).
Historical & Contextual Notes
στίλβω occurs rarely in classical and Koine Greek; it is poetic and descriptive, used for intense, eye-catching brilliance. In the Septuagint and New Testament, its usage is limited, generally reserved for scenes conveying supernatural radiance or the dazzling brightness of supernatural or transfigured appearances. It is distinct from φέγγω (to shine, to emit light in general) or λάμπω (to shine, to be bright), as striblō expresses an almost metallic, mirrored, or intensely white radiance rather than diffuse light. English translations as 'shining,' 'gleaming,' or 'dazzling' may capture primary sense, but often fail to indicate the strength or striking nature of the light. In Hellenistic literature, used of the luster of precious metals, jewelry, or the blinding brilliance attributed to divine beings or phenomena. No significant semantic shift is recorded from earlier Greek to Koine.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a primary verb; to gleam, i.e. flash intensely:--shining.
Root Family
στίλβ- (stílbō) — to shine, to gleam, to flash brightly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4744-01 |
στίλβοντα | stilbonta | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N PL |
shining | brilliantly shining | brilliantly shining | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4744-01 |
Mark 9:3 | στίλβοντα | stilbonta | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N PL |
shining | brilliantly shining | brilliantly shining |