### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **lámpō**, represented by `{{G2989}}`, is a primary verb that means to **beam** or **radiate brilliancy**. It appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is used to describe both a literal, physical radiance and a figurative, divine shining.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the scriptures, `{{G2989}}` is used to describe a range of luminous events. It refers to a mundane light source, as when a candle "giveth light" to everyone in a house [[Matthew 5:15]]. It also depicts supernatural occurrences, such as when a "light shined" in the prison upon an angel's arrival [[Acts 12:7]]. The word is most powerfully used to describe divine glory, as when Jesus was transfigured and his face "did shine as the sun" [[Matthew 17:2]]. Furthermore, believers are instructed to let their light "shine" before others [[Matthew 5:16]], an act sourced in God who "hath shined in our hearts" [[2 Corinthians 4:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of light and glory:
* `{{G5457}}` **phōs** (luminousness... light): This noun often represents the very thing that **lámpō** acts upon. It is the "light" that believers are to let shine [[Matthew 5:16]] and the "light" that was seen when Jesus' raiment became white [[Matthew 17:2]].
* `{{G1392}}` **doxázō** (to render... glorious): This verb is presented as the direct purpose of a believer's shining. The light from good works is meant to cause others to "glorify" the Father in heaven [[Matthew 5:16]].
* `{{G3339}}` **metamorphóō** (to transform): This word is explicitly linked to the divine radiance of Christ. Jesus "was transfigured" at the very moment his face "did shine" [[Matthew 17:2]], connecting the shining to a divine transformation.
* `{{G2545}}` **kaíō** (to set on fire... kindle): This action often precedes the act of shining. In [[Matthew 5:15]], men "light" a candle, which then "giveth light", showing a cause-and-effect relationship for physical light.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2989}}` is demonstrated in its figurative applications.
* **Divine Manifestation:** The verb is used to mark moments of divine revelation. Jesus' face shining during the transfiguration illustrates a visible expression of his divine nature [[Matthew 17:2]]. Similarly, God himself is the one who initiates light, having "commanded the light to shine out of darkness" [[2 Corinthians 4:6]].
* **Reflected Radiance:** The shining of a believer is not self-generated. It is a reflection of an inner work of God, who "hath shined in our hearts." This divine illumination enables the believer to then let their own light "shine" [[2 Corinthians 4:6]].
* **A Call to Witness:** The act of shining is a command with a purpose: that others may "see" good works and subsequently "glorify" God [[Matthew 5:16]]. The light serves as a public testimony that points back to the Father.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2989}}` moves beyond its simple definition of radiating light to become a key theological verb. It connects the physical phenomenon of shining to the spiritual realities of divine glory, supernatural intervention, and the Christian mandate for public witness. Whether describing a candle in a house or the transfigured face of Christ, **lámpō** illustrates that the purpose of light, in a biblical sense, is to illuminate truth and bring glory to its ultimate source, God.
TRV