a form of ἐπιφαίνω; to illuminate (figuratively):--give light.
Transliteration:epiphaúō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-fow'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιφαύω (epiphaúō, `{{G2017}}`) is derived from ἐπιφαίνω (epiphainō, `{{G2014}}`), combining the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "over," with the verb φαίνω (phainō), meaning "to shine" or "to appear." Therefore, the literal sense of epiphaúō is "to shine upon" or "to cause light to appear on something." As indicated in its base definition, its primary usage is figurative, signifying "to illuminate" or "to give light" in a spiritual or moral sense. This implies a manifestation or a dawning of spiritual understanding and truth, dispelling darkness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐπιφαύω (epiphaúō, `{{G2017}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Ephesians 5:14]]: "Therefore it says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you (ἐπιφαύσει σοι).' "
In this passage, Paul is exhorting believers to live as "children of light" ([[Ephesians 5:8]]), contrasting their former life in darkness with their new identity in Christ. The verse is a powerful call to spiritual awakening and resurrection from spiritual death, often understood as a quotation or paraphrase of an Old Testament or early Christian hymn/prophecy (cf. [[Isaiah 60:1]]). The imperative "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead" directly precedes the promise that "Christ will shine on you." This indicates that Christ's illumination is the means by which the spiritual awakening and resurrection occur. The verb ἐπιφαύσει is in the future active indicative, emphasizing a certain and powerful action initiated by Christ. This light is not merely intellectual understanding but a transformative divine presence that brings life and exposes the unfruitful deeds of darkness (cf. [[Ephesians 5:11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several terms and concepts are closely related to ἐπιφαύω (epiphaúō, `{{G2017}}`), enriching its meaning:
* **ἐπιφαίνω (epiphainō, `{{G2014}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to appear" or "to shine forth," often used in the New Testament for the manifestation or appearing of Christ (e.g., [[Titus 2:11]], [[2 Timothy 1:10]]). This connection underscores the divine and revelatory nature of the light given by Christ.
* **φῶς (phōs, `{{G5457}}`):** "Light." This is the overarching theme in Ephesians 5, where believers are called to walk as "children of light" ([[Ephesians 5:8]]). Christ himself is consistently identified as the "light of the world" (e.g., [[John 1:9]], [[John 8:12]]).
* **σκότος (skotos, `{{G4655}}`):** "Darkness." The antithesis to light, representing sin, ignorance, and spiritual death, from which believers are called to emerge.
* **ἀνίστημι (anistēmi, `{{G450}}`) and ἐγείρω (egeirō, `{{G1453}}`):** "To arise" and "to awaken/raise." These verbs are used in conjunction with epiphaúō in [[Ephesians 5:14]], signifying a spiritual resurrection from a state of death or slumber.
* **Illumination:** The broader theological concept of God's truth enlightening the human mind and spirit, enabling understanding and righteous living.
* **Manifestation/Revelation:** The "shining" of Christ is an act of revealing truth, life, and His very person to those in spiritual darkness.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἐπιφαύω (epiphaúō, `{{G2017}}`) in [[Ephesians 5:14]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Christ as the Source of Light:** The verse unequivocally identifies Christ as the active agent who "will shine." This reinforces the biblical truth that Christ is the ultimate source of spiritual light, life, and truth for humanity, dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance. He is the one who brings clarity and exposes hidden things (cf. [[John 1:4-5]], [[John 3:19-21]]).
* **Spiritual Awakening and Resurrection:** The call to "awake" and "arise from the dead" highlights the transformative power of Christ's light. It implies that humanity, apart from Christ, is in a state of spiritual slumber or even death. Christ's illumination is essential for spiritual regeneration and new life.
* **Divine Initiative and Grace:** The future tense "Christ will shine" emphasizes that this illumination is a gracious act initiated by Christ. It is not something the "sleeper" can achieve on their own but is a divine gift that enables their awakening.
* **Ethical Transformation:** The context of Ephesians 5 links this illumination directly to ethical living. When Christ shines on believers, they are empowered to "walk as children of light" ([[Ephesians 5:8]]), meaning to live righteously, discerning what is pleasing to the Lord, and exposing the unfruitful deeds of darkness. The light reveals truth and guides conduct.
### Summary
ἐπιφαύω (epiphaúō, `{{G2017}}`) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to illuminate" or "to cause light to shine upon," primarily used figuratively for spiritual enlightenment. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Ephesians 5:14]] presents Christ as the divine source of this illuminating light. It is a profound call to spiritual awakening and resurrection from the "sleep" of sin and spiritual death, with Christ's light being the indispensable means by which this transformation occurs. The word underscores the gracious, active role of Christ in bringing truth, life, and ethical guidance to those who were formerly in darkness.
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