from ἐκ and ἀστράπτω; to lighten forth, i.e. (figuratively) to be radiant (of very white garments):--glistening.
Transliteration:exastráptō
Pronunciation:ex-as-trap'-to
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1823 exastráptō is a compound verb derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb ἀστράπτω (astráptō), meaning "to flash, lighten, gleam, or shine like lightning." The combination of these elements yields a core meaning of "to flash forth," "to lighten out," or "to emit a brilliant, sudden radiance." It suggests an intense, outward burst of light, far exceeding ordinary luminosity.
Figuratively, as indicated by its New Testament usage, exastráptō describes an extraordinary state of being "radiant" or "glistening," particularly in reference to garments that appear supernaturally white. The semantic range thus centers on an overwhelming visual brilliance, often implying a divine or supernatural source, evoking a sense of awe and wonder. It is not merely shining, but shining *intensely forth*, like an emanation of light.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G1823 exastráptō appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 9:29]]: "And as He was praying, the appearance of His face was altered, and His clothing became *glistening* white."
This singular occurrence describes the Transfiguration of Jesus. In this pivotal event, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, Jesus' physical appearance is dramatically transformed. The use of exastráptō for His clothing is highly significant. It conveys that His garments were not merely clean or bright white, but possessed an intense, almost blinding radiance, akin to a flash of lightning. This supernatural brilliance underscores the divine glory emanating from Jesus, signifying a visible manifestation of His inherent deity. The verb emphasizes the overwhelming and awe-inspiring nature of the transformation, indicating a quality of light that transcends the natural realm and speaks to the presence of the divine. It is a visual testament to the profound spiritual reality unfolding before the disciples' eyes.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀστράπτω (astráptō) `{{G797}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to flash, lighten." This word is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe literal lightning (e.g., [[Matthew 24:27]], [[Luke 10:18]]). exastráptō intensifies this root meaning, emphasizing the *outward* and *emanating* quality of the light.
* **λαμπρός (lamprós) `{{G2986}}`**: Meaning "bright, brilliant, splendid." This adjective is used to describe bright clothing (e.g., [[Acts 10:30]]) or the brilliance of the heavenly city ([[Revelation 21:11]]). While similar, exastráptō suggests a more active, dynamic, and perhaps sudden burst of radiance.
* **λευκός (leukós) `{{G3022}}`**: Meaning "white." Often used in conjunction with terms of brightness to denote purity, glory, or heavenly beings (e.g., [[Revelation 1:14]] for Christ's hair, [[Revelation 7:9]] for robes of the redeemed). In [[Luke 9:29]], exastráptō describes the *quality* of this whiteness as intensely radiant, rather than just the color itself.
* **δόξα (doxa) `{{G1391}}`**: "Glory." The radiance described by exastráptō is a tangible manifestation of divine glory. The Transfiguration is a profound revelation of Christ's inherent glory, a prefigurement of His post-resurrection state and heavenly reign.
* **Theophanies**: The concept of God revealing Himself through light, fire, or overwhelming brilliance is a recurring theme in the Old Testament (e.g., the burning bush in [[Exodus 3:2]], the glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai in [[Exodus 24:17]]). The exastráptō of Jesus' garments connects His glory to these ancient divine manifestations.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G1823 exastráptō at the Transfiguration holds immense theological weight:
* **Divine Revelation of Christ's Glory:** The intense, lightning-like radiance of Jesus' garments is not merely a superficial change but a profound visible manifestation of His inherent divine nature and glory. It is a momentary lifting of the veil, allowing the disciples a glimpse into His true identity as the Son of God, distinct from His earthly, human form. This event serves as a powerful confirmation of His messianic and divine claims.
* **Prefigurement of Glorification:** The radiant appearance of Jesus at the Transfiguration serves as a potent prefigurement of His post-resurrection glorification and His ultimate return in splendor. It offers a tangible foretaste of the heavenly glory that awaits Him and, by extension, His redeemed people.
* **Continuity with Old Testament Theophanies:** The imagery of overwhelming light and brilliance directly connects Jesus' glory to the very presence of Yahweh as revealed in Old Testament theophanies. This linguistic and thematic link affirms Jesus' divine status and His continuity with the God of Israel.
* **Holiness and Purity:** The "glistening white" garments speak to absolute purity and holiness, qualities intrinsically linked to the divine. This intense, radiant whiteness sets Jesus apart as uniquely holy and unblemished, worthy of all worship.
* **Confirmation of Prophecy and Law:** The presence of Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) alongside the transfigured Christ, bathed in this divine light, signifies the fulfillment and culmination of the Old Covenant in Jesus. The radiance underscores the divine authority of this convergence.
### Summary
G1823 exastráptō is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to flash forth" or "to radiate intensely, like lightning." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 9:29]] describes the supernaturally "glistening" white garments of Jesus during the Transfiguration. This vivid portrayal emphasizes the overwhelming divine glory emanating from Christ, serving as a profound revelation of His inherent deity. The word connects Jesus' splendor to Old Testament theophanies, prefiguring His glorification and underscoring His absolute holiness and purity. exastráptō thus highlights a pivotal moment of divine manifestation, where the disciples witnessed a tangible display of Christ's heavenly majesty, confirming His unique identity as the Son of God.
TRV