### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G2987 (lamprótēs) is derived from the adjective G2986 (lamprós), meaning "bright, radiant, splendid." As such, lamprótēs denotes the abstract quality of "brilliancy," "radiance," or "brightness." It refers to an intense and dazzling luminosity, a quality of light that is striking and magnificent. Unlike a general term for light (G5316 - phōs), lamprótēs emphasizes the *degree* or *intensity* of that light, conveying a sense of extraordinary, even overwhelming, brightness. Its semantic range is tightly focused on this attribute of resplendent illumination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G2987 (lamprótēs) appears only once in the entire New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 26:13]]: In this verse, Paul recounts his Damascus Road experience to King Agrippa, stating, "At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the brightness of the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me."
* The phrase "brighter than the brightness of the sun" (ὑπὲρ τὴν λαμπρότητα τοῦ ἡλίου) is crucial. It asserts that the light Paul encountered was not merely strong, but it *exceeded* the most powerful natural light source known—the sun at its zenith. This superlative comparison underscores the supernatural, divine origin and overwhelming intensity of the light. The context is a direct, physically manifest revelation of the risen Christ, which profoundly impacted Paul and his companions, leading to Paul's temporary blindness and subsequent conversion. The singular use of lamprótēs here powerfully conveys the unparalleled nature of this divine encounter.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G2986 (lamprós):** The root adjective, meaning "bright, radiant, splendid." It is used to describe white, shining garments ([[Revelation 15:6]]), the morning star ([[Revelation 22:16]]), or clean, fine linen ([[Revelation 19:8]]). lamprótēs is the noun form, expressing the quality inherent in lamprós.
* **G5316 (phōs):** The general Greek word for "light." While phōs refers to light itself, lamprótēs describes the *quality* or *intensity* of that light, often implying a divine or supernatural source.
* **G1391 (doxa):** "Glory." This term frequently encompasses the concept of divine radiance and splendor. The lamprótēs Paul experienced is a direct manifestation of God's glory, specifically the glory of the risen Christ.
* **G1846 (exastraptō):** A verb meaning "to flash like lightning, to gleam." Used to describe Jesus' face shining at the Transfiguration ([[Luke 9:29]]), it conveys a similar sense of intense, sudden light, though lamprótēs is the noun for the quality.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of overwhelming divine brightness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, often associated with the `{{H3519}}` (kabod - glory) of Yahweh. Examples include the glory filling the Tabernacle/Temple ([[Exodus 40:34-35]], [[1 Kings 8:10-11]]) or the brilliance of heavenly beings ([[Ezekiel 1:27-28]]). The lamprótēs in Acts echoes these ancient manifestations of divine presence.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G2987 (lamprótēs) in [[Acts 26:13]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Revelation and Presence:** The "brightness" Paul encountered was not a natural phenomenon but a supernatural manifestation of the risen Christ. This lamprótēs signifies a direct, undeniable, and overwhelming divine revelation. It underscores that God's presence can be so powerfully manifested that it transcends and eclipses all earthly light and experience.
* **The Radiance of Christ:** The light's intensity highlights the inherent divine glory and splendor of Jesus Christ. As the "Light of the world" ([[John 8:12]]), Christ's appearance to Paul demonstrates His transcendent power and divine nature. His lamprótēs is an attribute of His resurrected, glorified state.
* **Transformative Power:** The overwhelming brightness was not merely spectacular; it was instrumental in Paul's conversion. It physically affected him, leading to temporary blindness and a radical reorientation of his life. The lamprótēs of Christ's presence is thus a transformative force, breaking through human darkness and resistance to bring about spiritual sight and repentance.
* **Transcendence of God:** By stating the light was "above the brightness of the sun," the text emphasizes God's transcendence. No created thing, not even the most brilliant star, can compare to the uncreated light of God's presence. This reinforces the incomparable nature of God's power, majesty, and glory.
### Summary
G2987 (lamprótēs) denotes "brilliancy" or "radiance," the quality of intense, dazzling light. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 26:13]] describes the light Paul saw during his conversion as "brighter than the brightness of the sun." This singular, powerful usage highlights the supernatural and overwhelming nature of divine revelation. The lamprótēs signifies the inherent divine glory and splendor of the risen Christ, whose appearance was so brilliant it surpassed all natural light. The word underscores the transformative power of a direct encounter with the Lord, emphasizing God's transcendence and the incomparable majesty of His presence.
TRV