### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb στίλβω (stílbō, `{{G4744}}`) is a primary verb carrying the core meaning "to gleam," "to flash intensely," or "to be resplendent." Unlike more general terms for "shining," στίλβω denotes a particularly brilliant, dazzling, or striking quality of light. It suggests an effulgence that is not merely bright but almost blinding in its intensity, a radiance that captivates and overwhelms the observer. The nuance implies a sudden, powerful emanation of light, rather than a steady glow. Its semantic range emphasizes the visual impact of extreme luminosity, often associated with a supernatural or divine source.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb στίλβω (stílbō, `{{G4744}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is profoundly significant: in the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ.
* **[[Mark 9:3]]**: "And His garments became dazzling white, whiter than any launderer on earth could bleach them."
* In this pivotal passage, στίλβω is used to describe the supernatural transformation of Jesus' clothes. The phrase "became dazzling white" (ἐγένετο στίλβοντα λευκὰ λίαν) conveys an extraordinary, unearthly brilliance. It is not merely a clean white, but a resplendent, intensely glowing white, surpassing any human capability to achieve. The comparison to what "any launderer on earth could bleach" underscores the divine origin and nature of this light. The intensity described by στίλβω highlights the revelatory moment, where the inherent glory of Christ's divine nature momentarily shone through His human form, becoming visible to Peter, James, and John. This dazzling light serves as a physical manifestation of His divine essence.
### Related Words & Concepts
στίλβω (stílbō, `{{G4744}}`) belongs to a semantic field of words related to light, glory, and appearance, yet it carries a distinct emphasis on intense, dazzling radiance.
* φῶς (phōs, `{{G5457}}`): The most common word for "light," referring to light in general, whether physical or spiritual. στίλβω describes a *quality* of light, specifically its dazzling intensity, rather than light itself.
* δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`): "Glory," often used to describe the manifest presence or effulgence of God. The dazzling light of στίλβω in the Transfiguration is a visible expression of Christ's intrinsic δόξα.
* λαμπρός (lampros, `{{G2986}}`): "Bright," "radiant," "splendid." While similar, λαμπρός can describe a more general brightness, whereas στίλβω implies a more intense, almost flashing or sparkling brilliance.
* ἀστράπτω (astraptō, `{{G797}}`): "To flash like lightning," "to lighten." This word also conveys intense, sudden light, often associated with a flash. στίλβω shares this sense of striking brilliance.
* λευκός (leukos, `{{G3022}}`): "White." In [[Mark 9:3]], στίλβω modifies λευκός, indicating not just white, but a *dazzling* white, emphasizing the purity and divine nature of the light.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of στίλβω (stílbō, `{{G4744}}`) in the Transfiguration (Mark 9:3) carries profound theological weight.
1. **Revelation of Christ's Divine Nature**: The "dazzling" quality of Jesus' garments signifies more than a mere change in appearance; it is a momentary unveiling of His inherent divine glory. This light is not an external addition but an emanation from within, confirming His identity as the Son of God. It is a visible manifestation of the glory He possessed before the foundation of the world ([[John 17:5]]).
2. **Anticipation of Resurrection and Future Glory**: The Transfiguration serves as a prefiguration of Christ's glorious resurrection body and His ultimate return in power and glory. The radiant light points forward to the glorified state of Christ and, by extension, the future glorified bodies of believers.
3. **Connection to Old Testament Theophanies**: The intense, overwhelming light echoes Old Testament manifestations of God's presence, such as the glory on Mount Sinai ([[Exodus 24:16-17]]) or the Shekinah glory in the Tabernacle. This links Jesus directly to the divine presence of Yahweh, affirming His deity.
4. **Symbol of Purity and Holiness**: The "dazzling white" (στίλβοντα λευκὰ) is also symbolic of absolute purity, holiness, and righteousness. This divine light illuminates the perfect and sinless nature of Christ.
### Summary
στίλβω (stílbō, `{{G4744}}`) is a Greek verb that precisely captures the essence of intense, dazzling, and resplendent light. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, its singular use in [[Mark 9:3]] is central to understanding the Transfiguration. There, it describes the supernatural brilliance of Jesus' garments, which became "dazzling white," surpassing any earthly standard. This profound visual manifestation serves as a powerful theological statement, revealing Christ's inherent divine glory, anticipating His resurrection and future splendor, and linking Him to the glorious manifestations of God in the Old Testament. The word thus emphasizes the overwhelming purity and majesty of the Son of God, momentarily unveiled for His disciples.
TRV