Original Word: περιλάμπω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: perilampó
Pronunciation: pe-ri-LAM-po
Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee-lam'-po)
Definition: I shine around.
Meaning: To shine around, to illuminate or envelop with light.

Word Origin: From the Greek preposition "περί" (peri), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb "λάμπω" (lampō), meaning "to shine" or "to give light."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for περιλάμπω, similar concepts of divine light and illumination can be found in Hebrew words such as:
• אוֹר (or) • Strong's Hebrew 216, meaning "light."
• נָגַהּ (nagah) • Strong's Hebrew 5050, meaning "to shine" or "to give light."

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the idea of light as a symbol of God's presence and revelation, paralleling the Greek concept of περιλάμπω in the New Testament.

Usage: The verb περιλάμπω is used in the New Testament to describe a radiant or encompassing light, often associated with divine or supernatural occurrences.

Context: The Greek verb περιλάμπω appears in the New Testament in contexts that describe a divine or supernatural illumination. This term is notably used in the account of the Apostle Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus. In Acts 26:13 (BSB), Paul recounts, "About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions." Here, περιλάμπω conveys the overwhelming and encompassing nature of the heavenly light that surrounded Paul, signifying a divine encounter.

The use of περιλάμπω emphasizes the transformative power of divine light, often symbolizing revelation, guidance, and the presence of God. This radiant light serves as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and the dispelling of darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The imagery of light surrounding an individual underscores the protective and revealing nature of God's presence.

In biblical literature, light is frequently associated with God's glory and truth, contrasting with darkness, which symbolizes ignorance, sin, or evil. The use of περιλάμπω in the New Testament aligns with this thematic representation, highlighting moments of divine intervention and revelation.

Word Origin
from peri and lampó
Definition
to shine around
NASB Translation
shining...around (1), shone around (1).

STRONGS NT 4034: περιλάμπω

περιλάμπω: 1 aorist περιελαμψα; to shine around: τινα, Luke 2:9; Acts 26:13. (Diodorus, Josephus, Plutarch, others.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

shine around

From peri and lampo; to illuminate all around, i.e. Invest with a halo -- shine round about.

see GREEK peri

see GREEK lampo

Forms and Transliterations

περιελαμψεν περιέλαμψεν περιλαμψαν περιλάμψαν perielampsen periélampsen perilampsan perilámpsan

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts