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φωτισμός

phōtismós

G5462 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The act or process of giving light, illumination; in a figurative sense, the act of enlightening or imparting insight, knowledge, or understanding. Indicates a state of being made clear or brought into the light, both literally (as the production of light or brightness) and metaphorically (as intellectual or spiritual clarity or revelation).

Semantic Range

illumination, enlightenment, act of making clear, impartation of knowledge or understanding, spiritual awakening, state of being illuminated (literal or metaphorical)

Root / Etymology

From φωτίζω (to give light, to enlighten), itself from φῶς (light) + -ίζω (causative suffix). Thus, φωτισμός is a noun of action denoting a process or result of causing to shine or to make clear.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, φωτισμός most commonly denotes the state or process of illuminating, both physically and, more frequently, metaphorically. In philosophical and religious literature, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, it refers to enlightenment or the imparting of spiritual or intellectual understanding, often in contrast to ignorance or darkness. The word is rare in earlier classical Greek but more prevalent in later Greek and Christian texts, where it acquires specialized meanings concerning spiritual transformation or initiation (e.g., 'illumination' as a metaphor for conversion or baptism in early Christian writings). English translations often render it as 'enlightenment,' 'illumination,' or 'light,' but these sometimes obscure the nuance of an ongoing process rather than a static state. In the New Testament (cf. Hebrews 6:4), the term emphasizes reception of spiritual insight or awakening. In contrast, the verb φωτίζω is more common and broadly used for both literal and metaphorical 'giving of light.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from φωτίζω; illumination (figuratively):--light.

Root Family

φωτισμός (phōtismos) — illumination, enlightening, bringing to light, making clear

Root φωτ- to shine, to illuminate, to bring to light

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5462-01 φωτισμὸν photismon N ACC M SG light illumination illumination 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5462-01 2 Corinthians 4:4 φωτισμὸν photismon N ACC M SG light illumination illumination
G5462-01 2 Corinthians 4:6 φωτισμὸν photismon N ACC M SG the light illumination illumination
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