Original Word: λύχνος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: luchnos
Pronunciation: LOOKH-nos
Phonetic Spelling: (lookh'-nos)
Definition: a lamp.
Meaning: A lamp or portable light, typically an oil lamp used in ancient times to provide illumination.

Word Origin: Derived from the base of the Greek word λευκός (leukos), meaning "light" or "bright."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H5216 נֵר (ner): A lamp or light, often used in the Old Testament to symbolize guidance, life, and divine presence.
• H4501 מְנוֹרָה (menorah): A lampstand, particularly the seven-branched lampstand used in the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing the light of God's presence among His people.

Usage: The term λύχνος is used in the New Testament to refer to a source of light, often symbolizing guidance, revelation, or the presence of God. It appears in contexts that emphasize the importance of spiritual illumination and vigilance.

Context: The Greek word λύχνος (lychnos) is a significant term in the New Testament, symbolizing both physical and spiritual illumination. In the ancient world, a λύχνος was a common household item, a small clay lamp fueled by olive oil, used to light homes and public spaces. This practical use of the λύχνος is reflected in its metaphorical application in Scripture.

In the New Testament, λύχνος is often used to convey spiritual truths. For instance, in Matthew 5:15, Jesus teaches, "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Here, the λύχνος represents the light of Christ's teachings, which should be visible and shared with others.

The concept of the λύχνος is further expanded in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where the lamps symbolize readiness and preparedness for the coming of the bridegroom, a metaphor for Christ's return. The wise virgins, who keep their lamps filled with oil, are prepared and welcomed, while the foolish ones are left out, highlighting the necessity of spiritual vigilance.

In Revelation 21:23, the imagery of light is elevated to its ultimate fulfillment: "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." Here, the λύχνος signifies the eternal presence and glory of God, illuminating the New Jerusalem.

The use of λύχνος in the New Testament underscores the importance of living in the light of God's truth, being prepared for Christ's return, and reflecting His light to the world.

3088 lýxnos – an oil-fed portable "lamp," usually set on a stand (Abbott-Smith).

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a (portable) lamp
NASB Translation
lamp (13), lamps (1).

STRONGS NT 3088: λύχνος

λύχνος, λύχνου, ὁ, the Sept. for נֵר (from Homer down); a lamp, candle (?), that is placed on a stand or candlestick (Latincandelabrum) (cf. Trench, N. T. Synonyms, § xlvi.; Becker, Charicles, Sc. ix. (English translation, p. 156 n. 5)): Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21; (Luke 11:36); ; Revelation 22:5; φῶς λύχνου, Revelation 18:23; opposed to φῶς ἡλίου, Revelation 22:5 L T Tr WH; ά῾πτειν λύχνον ((Luke 8:16; Luke 11:33; Luke 15:8), see ἅπτω, 1). To a lamp are likened — the eye, ὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματος, i. e. which shows the body which way to move and turn, Matthew 6:22; Luke 11:34; the prophecies of the O. T., inasmuch as they afforded at least some knowledge relative to the glorious return of Jesus from heaven down even to the time when by the Holy Spirit that same light, like the day and the daystar, shone upon the hearts of men, the light by which the prophets themselves had been enlightened and which was necessary to the full perception of the true meaning of their prophecies, 2 Peter 1:19; to the brightness of a lamp that cheers the beholders a teacher is compared, whom even those rejoiced in who were unwilling to comply with his demands, John 5:35; Christ, who will hereafter illumine his followers, the citizens of the heavenly kingdom, with his own glory, Revelation 21:23.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

candle, light.

From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively) -- candle, light.

see GREEK leukos

Forms and Transliterations

λυχνοι λύχνοι λύχνοις λυχνον λύχνον λυχνος λύχνος λυχνου λύχνου λύχνους λυχνω λύχνω λύχνῳ luchno luchnō luchnoi luchnon luchnos luchnou lychno lychnō lychnoi lýchnoi lýchnōi lychnon lýchnon lychnos lýchnos lychnou lýchnou

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