### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb λαμπρῶς (lamprōs, `{{G2988}}`) is derived from the adjective λαμπρός (lampros, `{{G2986}}`), which signifies "bright," "radiant," "shining," or "splendid." Consequently, λαμπρῶς fundamentally denotes an action or state characterized by brilliance, radiance, or conspicuousness. Figuratively, it extends to mean "splendidly," "magnificently," "richly," or "luxuriously." The core semantic range thus moves from literal brightness to the figurative brilliance of outward display, often associated with wealth, pomp, or extravagance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb λαμπρῶς (lamprōs, `{{G2988}}`) appears only once in the New Testament.
* **[[Luke 16:19]]**: "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted λαμπρῶς every day."
In this singular occurrence, λαμπρῶς is used to describe the manner in which the rich man "feasted" (εὐφραινόμενος). The context is the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The rich man's attire of purple and fine linen already signifies immense wealth and high social standing. The addition of λαμπρῶς emphasizes the lavish, opulent, and extravagant nature of his daily meals. He did not merely eat; he feasted sumptuously, in a manner that was conspicuously splendid and luxurious. This detail is crucial for establishing the stark contrast between his life of indulgence and the abject poverty of Lazarus, who lay at his gate. The word highlights the rich man's preoccupation with earthly comforts and outward display, setting the stage for the parable's ultimate lesson on divine judgment and the proper use of wealth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **λαμπρός (lampros, `{{G2986}}`):** The root adjective, meaning "bright," "radiant," "splendid," "magnificent." This word is used to describe the bright clothing of angels ([[Acts 10:30]]), the dazzling appearance of Christ ([[Revelation 1:16]]), and the pure, bright linen of the bride of Christ ([[Revelation 19:8]]). While λαμπρῶς describes the *manner* of splendor (e.g., luxurious living), λαμπρός describes the *quality* of brightness or magnificence itself.
* **πλούσιος (plousios, `{{G4145}}`):** "Rich." This noun identifies the main character in [[Luke 16:19]], whose actions are modified by λαμπρῶς. The concept of wealth and its associated responsibilities or dangers is central to the passage.
* **τρυφή (tryphē, `{{G5172}}`):** "Luxury," "delight," "wantonness." This noun captures a similar sense of self-indulgence and extravagant living, often carrying negative connotations in the New Testament, as seen in [[James 5:5]].
* **εὐφραίνω (euphrainō, `{{G2165}}`):** "To make merry," "to rejoice," "to feast." This verb describes the rich man's daily activity (εὐφραινόμενος in [[Luke 16:19]]), and λαμπρῶς serves as the adverb specifying the lavishness and grandeur of his feasting.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of λαμπρῶς in [[Luke 16:19]] carries profound theological significance within the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. It vividly portrays the rich man's life of unbridled self-indulgence and outward display. The "sumptuous" feasting is not inherently evil, but in the context of the parable, it represents a life lived in spiritual blindness and moral indifference. The rich man's λαμπρῶς lifestyle starkly contrasts with the suffering and humility of Lazarus at his gate, highlighting the rich man's failure to exercise compassion and stewardship of his wealth.
This word underscores a critical theme in Jesus' teachings: the inherent dangers of wealth when it leads to spiritual complacency, a lack of empathy for the poor, and a failure to acknowledge one's accountability before God. The outward brilliance and splendor (λαμπρῶς) of his earthly existence are juxtaposed with the spiritual barrenness of his soul and the grim reality of his eternal destiny. It serves as a powerful critique of a life consumed by conspicuous consumption rather than by devotion to God and service to humanity. The "brilliance" of his material life ultimately proves to be a deceptive facade, concealing a profound spiritual poverty.
### Summary
λαμπρῶς (lamprōs, `{{G2988}}`) is a Greek adverb derived from λαμπρός (lampros, `{{G2986}}`), meaning "brilliantly" or "splendidly." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 16:19]] describes the rich man's daily feasting as "sumptuous" or "luxurious." This single, impactful usage powerfully conveys the opulence and self-indulgence of his life, serving as a pivotal detail in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The word underscores the theological warning against the perils of wealth when it fosters a lack of compassion and spiritual neglect, vividly contrasting outward earthly splendor with true spiritual well-being before God. It emphasizes that a life lived λαμπρῶς in worldly terms can be spiritually bankrupt and lead to eternal consequences.
TRV