### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ἥλιος (hḗlios)**, represented by `{{G2246}}`, is the primary term for the **sun**. It appears **32 times** across **32 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's definition includes the sun itself and, by implication, its **light** or the direction from which it rises, the **east**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G2246}}` is used to describe both natural phenomena and supernatural events. It marks the passage of time, as seen when healings occur as the **sun** is setting [[Luke 4:40]] or when followers arrive at the sepulchre at the rising of the **sun** [[Mark 16:2]]. It is also an instrument of nature's power, scorching plants that lack roots [[Mark 4:6]]. In apocalyptic prophecies, the **sun** is a key feature of cosmic upheaval, being darkened [[Matthew 24:29]], becoming "black as sackcloth of hair" [[Revelation 6:12]], or being smitten [[Revelation 8:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to the function and significance of the sun:
* `{{G4582}}` **selḗnē** (the moon): This word for the moon often appears alongside `{{G2246}}` in passages describing cosmic signs, such as when there are signs in the **sun**, and in the **moon**, and in the stars [[Luke 21:25]].
* `{{G792}}` **astḗr** (star): As another celestial body, stars are frequently mentioned with the sun and moon. Prophetic passages describe how the **stars** will fall from heaven when the sun is darkened [[Matthew 24:29]].
* `{{G4654}}` **skotízō** (to obscure or darken): This verb is used to describe what happens to the sun in times of divine judgment. For instance, the **sun** was "darkened" during the crucifixion [[Luke 23:45]].
* `{{G2739}}` **kaumatízō** (to burn or scorch): This word describes the sun's capacity to inflict heat, either naturally upon withering plants [[Matthew 13:6]] or as an act of judgment to **scorch** men with fire [[Revelation 16:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2246}}` is significant, representing concepts of glory, judgment, and divine sovereignty.
* **Symbol of Divine Glory:** The unmatched brilliance of the sun is used as a metaphor for divine and righteous figures. Christ's face "did shine as the **sun**" during the transfiguration [[Matthew 17:2]], and the righteous will "shine forth as the **sun**" in the kingdom [[Matthew 13:43]].
* **Instrument of God's Judgment:** The sun is depicted as a tool of God's wrath. In Revelation, an angel pours a vial upon the **sun**, and power is given to it "to scorch men with fire" [[Revelation 16:8]]. Its darkening is a key sign of tribulation [[Matthew 24:29]].
* **A Temporary Light:** The New Testament reveals that the sun's light is provisional. The new Jerusalem has "no need of the **sun**" to shine in it, for "the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof" [[Revelation 21:23]].
### Summary
In summary, **hḗlios** `{{G2246}}` is far more than a physical celestial body in scripture. It functions as a standard for supreme brightness, a sign of God's universal provision for both the just and the unjust [[Matthew 5:45]], and an instrument of His end-times judgment. Ultimately, its role as a created light source is shown to be temporary, destined to be superseded by the direct glory of God in the new creation.
TRV