ἀστράπτω
astráptō
G797 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To emit a sudden, intense flash of light, characteristically as of lightning; to gleam, shine, or glitter vividly. Used primarily to denote the vivid, dazzling emission of light in natural or metaphorical contexts. In narrative settings, frequently describes the literal flashing of lightning in the sky or the brilliant radiance of an object or person.
Semantic Range
to emit flashes like lightning, to gleam or glitter with sudden brilliance, to shine vividly (especially of supernatural or epiphanic radiance), to have a dazzling or resplendent appearance
Root / Etymology
From the root ἀστραπ- (astrap-), related to ἀστραπή (astrapē, 'lightning'), which itself is possibly derived from ἀστήρ (astēr, 'star'). The link to 'star' is based on shared semantic association with brightness, but the exact morphological connection is debated. Thus, the root connection is to terms denoting brightness or celestial light phenomena.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, ἀστράπτω appears primarily in the context of natural phenomena, describing the act of lightning flashing or something shining as lightning does. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, the term retains this vivid association with lightning and intense brilliance, but may also be applied metaphorically to describe radiant or dazzling appearance (e.g., dazzling clothing in Lk 24:4). The metaphorical use extends to epiphanic or supernatural contexts where an entity is characterized by extraordinary brilliance reminiscent of lightning. Later Christian literature sometimes continues this metaphorical trend. Standard English translations render ἀστράπτω as 'flashes,' 'shines,' or 'gleams,' but 'shine' alone often fails to capture the power and suddenness implied by the root, which more closely evokes the abrupt, overwhelming nature of a lightning flash. Contrasts with more general terms for shining (e.g., φῶς, 'light'; φαίνω, 'to appear, shine') that lack the specific peal-and-gleam of lightning imagery.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from ἀστήρ; to flash as lightning:--lighten, shine.
Root Family
ἀστραπ- (astrapḗ) — to flash, to emit lightning, to gleam
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G796 | ἀστραπή | lightning flashes |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G797-01 |
ἀστράπτουσα | astraptousa | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
flashing | flashing brilliantly | flashing brilliantly | 1 |
G797-02 |
ἀστραπτούσῃ | astraptouse | V PRS ACT PTCP DAT F SG |
shining | to one flashing like lightning | shining | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G797-01 |
Luke 17:24 | ἀστράπτουσα | astraptousa | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
flashing | flashing brilliantly | flashing brilliantly |
G797-02 |
Luke 24:4 | ἀστραπτούσῃ | astraptouse | V PRS ACT PTCP DAT F SG |
shining | to one flashing like lightning | shining |