### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **lýchnos**, represented by `{{G3088}}`, refers to a **portable lamp or other illuminator**. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. While it can mean a literal candle or lamp, it is frequently used figuratively to represent a source of light or guidance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G3088}}` describes a common household item. A **candle** is not meant to be hidden under a **bushel** `{{G3426}}` or a **bed** `{{G2825}}`, but placed on a **candlestick** `{{G3087}}` to give light ([[Matthew 5:15]], [[Mark 4:21]]). It is also something a **woman** `{{G1135}}` would **light** `{{G681}}` to **sweep** `{{G4563}}` the house and search for a lost coin [[Luke 15:8]]. Figuratively, the term is applied to John, who **was** `{{G2258}}` a burning and a shining **light** `{{G3088}}` [[John 5:35]]. The prophetic **word** `{{G3056}}` is also described as a **light** `{{G3088}}` that shines in a dark **place** `{{G5117}}` [[2 Peter 1:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of light and illumination:
* `{{G3087}}` **lychnía** (a lamp-stand): As the object that holds the **lýchnos**, this word is essential for its function of providing light. It appears in contexts commanding that a **candle** `{{G3088}}` be set on a **candlestick** `{{G3087}}` so all may see ([[Luke 11:33]], [[Luke 8:16]]).
* `{{G5457}}` **phōs** (luminousness): This term represents light in its broadest sense. While **lýchnos** is a specific source like a candle, **phōs** is the illumination itself. In Revelation, the need for a **candle** `{{G3088}}` is removed because the Lord **God** `{{G2316}}` gives them **light** `{{G5461}}` [[Revelation 22:5]].
* `{{G5316}}` **phaínō** (to lighten (shine)): This verb describes the action of the **lýchnos**. The prophetic word is like a **light** `{{G3088}}` that **shineth** `{{G5316}}` in a dark place [[2 Peter 1:19]], and John was a burning and **shining** `{{G5316}}` **light** `{{G3088}}` [[John 5:35]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3088}}` is significant, often serving as a metaphor for spiritual truth and divine presence.
* **Spiritual Perception:** The **eye** `{{G3788}}` is called the **light** `{{G3088}}` of the **body** `{{G4983}}`. If the eye is **single** `{{G573}}`, the whole body will be **full of light** `{{G5460}}`, but if it is **evil** `{{G4190}}`, the body is **full of darkness** `{{G4652}}` ([[Matthew 6:22]], [[Luke 11:34]]).
* **Witness and Readiness:** A **candle** `{{G3088}}` is lit not to be hidden, but to be seen, symbolizing the public nature of witness ([[Matthew 5:15]], [[Mark 4:21]]). Believers are instructed to have their **lights** `{{G3088}}` **burning** `{{G2545}}`, a sign of readiness [[Luke 12:35]].
* **Divine Source of Light:** The ultimate source of illumination is divine. In the new **city** `{{G4172}}`, there is no **need** `{{G5532}}` for the **sun** `{{G2246}}` or **moon** `{{G4582}}`, because the **glory** `{{G1391}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` provides light, and the **Lamb** `{{G721}}` is its **light** `{{G3088}}` [[Revelation 21:23]].
* **Symbol of Judgment:** The absence of light from a **candle** `{{G3088}}` signifies judgment and desolation, where the **light** `{{G5457}}` of a **candle** `{{G3088}}` shall **shine** `{{G5316}}` no more at all [[Revelation 18:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3088}}` **lýchnos** evolves from a simple, portable lamp into a powerful biblical symbol. It represents spiritual insight, the call to witness, a state of preparedness, and ultimately, the divine illumination provided by God and the Lamb. Its presence signifies life and divine guidance, while its absence denotes judgment.
TRV