Lexical Summary lampas: Lamp, torch Original Word: λαμπάς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lamp, light, torch. From lampo; a "lamp" or flambeau -- lamp, light, torch. see GREEK lampo HELPS Word-studies 2985 lampás – a hand-held "torch" (sometimes merely a clay vessel); a lamp that uses a wick saturated with oil. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom lampó Definition a torch NASB Translation lamps (7), torch (1), torches (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2985: λαμπάςλαμπάς, λαμπάδος, ἡ (λάμπω, cf. our lamp) (from Aeschylus and Thucydides down), the Sept. for לַפִּיד; 1. a torch: Revelation 4:5 (where A. V. lamps); 2. a lamp, the flame of which is fed with oil: Matthew 25:1, 3f, 7; John 18:3; Acts 20:8. (Cf. Trench, Synonyms, § xlvi.; Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, ii. 455ff; Becker, Charicles, Sc. ix. (English translation, p. 163).) The word describes a hand-held source of flame, ranging in shape from a small oil-fed lamp to a larger torch made of rags soaked in pitch. In first-century life such lights were indispensable for night travel, festive processions, and household gatherings. Because of their brilliance against the darkness, the Scriptures regularly employ them as images of revelation, vigilance, and divine presence. Old Testament Background The Septuagint uses the same term for the flaming torch that passed between the covenant pieces in Genesis 15:17, for Gideon’s concealed lights in Judges 7:16, and for Solomon’s temple furnishings in 1 Kings 7:50. These instances trace a theological line that connects covenant, deliverance, and worship with the motif of a blazing light granted by God. Usage in the Gospels: Illustrating Watchfulness Matthew alone records the parable of the ten virgins, where the term appears five times (Matthew 25:1, 3, 4, 7, 8). The virgins’ lamps stand for a life either prepared or unprepared for the Bridegroom’s arrival. “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom” (Matthew 25:1). The narrative underscores: Symbolism in the Passion Narrative John 18:3 notes that the arresting party came to Gethsemane “with lanterns, torches, and weapons.” Ironically, those who sought the Light of the World carried artificial light, yet remained in spiritual darkness. The contrast exposes the blindness of unbelief and the futility of opposing Christ’s redemptive mission. Illuminating the Ministry of the Early Church In Acts 20:8 Paul preaches late into the night: “There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were gathered.” The detail highlights hospitality, communal endurance, and the practical provision required for extended ministry. Warm, well-lit fellowship becomes a setting in which the Word is taught, the dead are raised, and believers are strengthened (Acts 20:7-12). Apocalyptic Imagery in Revelation Revelation portrays torches both in glory and in judgment: Theological Themes 1. Light versus darkness: The term consistently depicts the triumph of divine revelation over spiritual night (John 1:5). Practical Ministry Application • Personal discipleship: Believers cultivate an “oil reserve” through Scripture, prayer, and obedience, refusing to live on borrowed spirituality. Homiletical Insights A sermon series on the nine occurrences can trace a redemptive arc: the covenant torch of Genesis, the bridal lamps of Matthew, the arrest-scene torches of John, the congregational lights of Acts, and the heavenly torches of Revelation. Each scene layers meaning: covenant promises, kingdom readiness, sacrificial love, Spirit-empowered fellowship, and final consummation. Related Themes Light, oil, Spirit, vigilance, judgment, covenant, worship. Conclusion Across narrative, parable, history, and prophecy, the New Testament employs this simple object to reveal profound truths: God’s unquenchable light breaks into human darkness, equips His people for faithful service, and will blaze in final victory when the Bridegroom appears. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 25:1 N-AFPGRK: λαβοῦσαι τὰς λαμπάδας ἑαυτῶν ἐξῆλθον NAS: took their lamps and went KJV: their lamps, and went forth INT: having taken the lamps of them went forth Matthew 25:3 N-AFP Matthew 25:4 N-GFP Matthew 25:7 N-AFP Matthew 25:8 N-NFP John 18:3 N-GFP Acts 20:8 N-NFP Revelation 4:5 N-NFP Revelation 8:10 N-NFS Strong's Greek 2985 |