### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word λαμπάς (lampás, `{{G2985}}`) is derived from the verb λάμπω (lampō, `{{G2989}}`), meaning "to shine" or "to give light." Its core meaning refers to an instrument that produces light, specifically a "lamp" or a "torch" (flambeau). The semantic range of λαμπάς encompasses portable light sources, often implying a vessel for oil with a wick, or a more robust, blazing torch. While both provide illumination, λαμπάς often carries the connotation of a more pronounced or flaring light, suitable for outdoor use, processions, or significant events, distinguishing it from a simple candle or a diffused light source. It emphasizes the *instrument* of light rather than the abstract concept of light itself, though it can metonymically represent the light it produces.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word λαμπάς appears four times in the New Testament, with significant theological implications in each context:
* **Parable of the Ten Virgins ([[Matthew 25:1, 3, 4, 7, 8]]):** This is the most prominent usage. Here, λαμπάς unequivocally refers to the oil lamps carried by the virgins as they awaited the bridegroom.
* [[Matthew 25:1]]: "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom."
* [[Matthew 25:3]]: "For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them."
* [[Matthew 25:4]]: "but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps."
* [[Matthew 25:7]]: "Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps."
* [[Matthew 25:8]]: "And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'"
* **Contextual Analysis:** These are essential night-time illumination devices. The crucial element is not merely the lamp, but the "oil" (ἔλαιον, `{{G1637}}`) that fuels it, symbolizing spiritual preparedness and readiness for the Lord's return. The lamps represent the outward manifestation of this inner state.
* **Arrest of Jesus ([[John 18:3]]):** λαμπάς is used here in conjunction with "torches" (φανοί, phanoi, `{{G5316}}`) to describe the light sources used by the band of soldiers and officers who came to arrest Jesus.
* [[John 18:3]]: "So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons."
* **Contextual Analysis:** The presence of multiple light sources (lamps/lanterns and torches) highlights the scale of the nighttime operation to apprehend Jesus. It underscores the contrast between the physical light used by those operating in spiritual darkness and the true Light of the World whom they sought to extinguish.
* **Vision of God's Throne ([[Revelation 4:5]]):** In John's heavenly vision, λαμπάς describes powerful, divine light sources before God's throne.
* [[Revelation 4:5]]: "From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God."
* **Contextual Analysis:** Here, λαμπάς refers to "seven torches of fire" (λαμπάδες πυρὸς), explicitly identified as "the seven spirits of God" (πνεῦμα, `{{G4151}}`). This usage depicts intense, blazing, divine illumination, representing the complete and active presence of the Holy Spirit in all His power and perfection before the throne of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** λάμπω (lampō, `{{G2989}}`): "to shine, to give light." This is the direct etymological source, emphasizing the function of the lamp.
* **Light (General):** φῶς (phōs, `{{G5457}}`): The most common word for light, often referring to light as an abstract concept, divine light, or the antithesis of darkness. λαμπάς is the *instrument* that produces φῶς.
* **Lamp/Candle:** λύχνος (lychnos, `{{G3088}}`): Another common word for a lamp or candle, often used metaphorically for guiding light or revelation (e.g., [[Psalm 119:105]] in the Septuagint, or [[Matthew 6:22]]). While both λαμπάς and λύχνος denote light sources, λαμπάς in its New Testament contexts (especially [[Matthew 25]] and [[Revelation 4]]) seems to carry a connotation of a more prominent, perhaps ceremonial or powerful, light, or one used for active movement at night, whereas λύχνος can be a more general, domestic lamp.
* **Oil:** ἔλαιον (elaion, `{{G1637}}`): Critically linked to λαμπάς in [[Matthew 25]], symbolizing the spiritual sustenance (e.g., the Holy Spirit, good works, faith, obedience) necessary for sustained spiritual readiness.
* **Darkness:** σκότος (skotos, `{{G4655}}`): The direct opposite of light, often symbolizing ignorance, sin, spiritual death, or the realm of evil. λαμπάς functions to dispel σκότος.
* **Watchfulness/Readiness:** γρηγορέω (grēgoreō, `{{G1127}}`): A key concept in [[Matthew 25]], where the functioning λαμπάς is a visible sign of readiness for the bridegroom's arrival.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λαμπάς is multifaceted, pointing to essential aspects of Christian life and divine revelation:
* **Readiness and Vigilance:** The most profound theological lesson associated with λαμπάς comes from the Parable of the Ten Virgins ([[Matthew 25:1-13]]). The lamps symbolize the outward profession of faith and the visible manifestation of one's spiritual life. Their functionality, however, depends on the "oil," which represents the internal spiritual sustenance—whether it be the indwelling Holy Spirit, a life of consistent obedience, genuine faith, or good works—that keeps one truly prepared for Christ's second coming. A lamp without oil signifies a superficial or unregenerate faith that cannot endure, emphasizing the necessity of genuine, sustained spiritual readiness.
* **Divine Presence and Illumination:** In the magnificent vision of [[Revelation 4:5]], the "seven torches of fire" (λαμπάδες πυρὸς) before God's throne, identified as "the seven spirits of God," portray λαμπάς as a symbol of intense, divine illumination. This signifies the active, all-encompassing, and perfect presence of the Holy Spirit, emanating from God's very being, illuminating His holiness and judgment.
* **Conflict of Light and Darkness:** The use of λαμπάς (lamps/lanterns) and torches during Jesus' arrest in [[John 18:3]] subtly highlights the stark spiritual contrast between the Light of the World (Jesus) and the forces of darkness who sought to apprehend Him. Even as they used physical light, their actions were born of spiritual blindness and evil, underscoring the ongoing spiritual battle.
* **The Church's Witness:** By extension, as believers are called to be "light of the world" ([[Matthew 5:14]]), the λαμπάς can symbolize the means by which the Church, as a collective body and individual believers, bears witness to Christ in a fallen world. It is not the ultimate source of light itself, but the vessel through which Christ's divine light shines, guiding others out of darkness.
### Summary
The Greek word λαμπάς (lampás, `{{G2985}}`), meaning "lamp" or "torch," is a significant term in the New Testament, primarily functioning as a symbol of illumination and readiness. Its most prominent usage in the Parable of the Ten Virgins ([[Matthew 25:1-13]]) underscores the critical need for sustained spiritual preparedness, where the lamp represents the outward manifestation of faith, fueled by the essential "oil" of inner spiritual reality. In the visionary context of [[Revelation 4:5]], λαμπάς ascends to a divine level, symbolizing the intense, fiery, and perfect presence of the Holy Spirit emanating from God's throne. Furthermore, its appearance in [[John 18:3]] during Jesus' arrest subtly emphasizes the pervasive spiritual conflict between light and darkness. Across these contexts, λαμπάς consistently points to the vital role of light in dispelling obscurity, whether as a call to human vigilance, a revelation of divine presence, or a stark portrayal of spiritual opposition.
TRV