Berean Strong's Lexicon phóstér: Light, Luminary Original Word: φωστήρ Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb φῶς (phōs), meaning "light." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of light is אוֹר (or), Strong's Hebrew #216, which also signifies light, illumination, and the presence of God. Usage: The term "phóstér" refers to a source of light or a luminary. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe believers as sources of spiritual light in a dark world. The word emphasizes the role of Christians in reflecting the light of Christ and illuminating the truth of the Gospel. Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient world, light was a powerful symbol of knowledge, purity, and divine presence. The Greeks and Romans often associated light with the divine, and luminaries such as the sun and stars were seen as manifestations of divine order and guidance. In Jewish thought, light was similarly symbolic of God's presence and truth, as seen in the menorah of the Temple and the prophetic imagery of light overcoming darkness. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phós Definition a luminary, light NASB Translation brilliance (1), lights (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5458: φωστήρφωστήρ, φωστηρος, ὁ (φῶς, φώσκω); 1. that which gives light, an illuminator (Vulg.luminar): of the stars (luminaries), Philippians 2:15 (Wis. 13:2; Sir. 43:7; Genesis 1:14, 16; Heliodorus 2, 24; (Anthol. Pal. 15, 17; of sun and moon, Test xii. Patr. test. Levi 14); ecclesiastical writings.) 2. light, brightness: Revelation 21:11 (Anthol. 11, 359) (others refer this to 1; cf. Trench, § xlvi.). From phos; an illuminator, i.e. (concretely) a luminary, or (abstractly) brilliancy -- light. see GREEK phos Englishman's Concordance Philippians 2:15 N-NMPGRK: φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ NAS: you appear as lights in the world, KJV: ye shine as lights in the world; INT: you appear as lights in [the] world Revelation 21:11 N-NMS Strong's Greek 5458 |
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