### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stílbō**, represented by `{{G4744}}`, is a primary verb meaning to gleam or flash intensely. It is translated as **shining**. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use highlights a moment of extraordinary divine manifestation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4744}}` is in the account of the Transfiguration. In [[Mark 9:3]], the verse states, "And his raiment became **shining**, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them." The word describes the supernatural brilliance that suddenly emanated from Jesus's clothing. This intense gleaming was of a quality beyond any earthly comparison, a whiteness that no human process, like that of a **fuller** `{{G1102}}`, could ever achieve.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words from the context of [[Mark 9:3]] help to illustrate the significance of this event:
* `{{G2440}}` **himátion** (raiment): This word for a garment or robe is the direct object of the divine shining. It is used elsewhere to refer to the **raiment** parted by soldiers at the crucifixion [[Luke 23:34]] and the symbolic white **raiment** of the saints in heaven [[Revelation 3:5]].
* `{{G1096}}` **gínomai** (to become): This verb signifies a change or transformation. Here, it describes how the garments **became** shining, shifting from a natural to a glorified state. It is also used to describe the Word being **made** flesh [[John 1:14]] and how believers **become** new creatures in Christ [[2 Corinthians 5:17]].
* `{{G1102}}` **gnapheús** (fuller): Defined as a cloth-dresser, this word provides a crucial earthly contrast. The brightness of Jesus's clothes was so intense that no professional **fuller** `{{G1102}}` on **earth** `{{G1093}}` could replicate it, underscoring the heavenly origin of the light [[Mark 9:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4744}}` is concentrated entirely on its single appearance at the Transfiguration.
* **Manifestation of Divine Glory:** The intense, **shining** quality of the raiment was a physical manifestation of Jesus's divine nature. This was not reflected light but an emanating glory, described as "exceeding white as snow" [[Mark 9:3]], a brilliance that no one on **earth** `{{G1093}}` **can** `{{G1410}}` produce.
* **A Glimpse of Heavenly Reality:** The event reveals the reality of the glory that was veiled in flesh, as described in [[John 1:14]] where the Word **was made** `{{G1096}}` flesh. The transfigured state gives a preview of the power and glory that are truly His.
* **Contrast Between Earthly and Divine:** The specific mention that no **fuller** `{{G1102}}` on earth could **white** `{{G3021}}` the garments establishes a clear distinction between human capability and divine power. It highlights that the purity and glory of Christ are of a different order than anything found in the created world.
### Summary
In summary, **stílbō** `{{G4744}}` is a highly specific word whose importance comes from its singular, impactful context. Used only to describe Jesus's garments at the Transfiguration, it signifies a supernatural and intense **shining** that reveals His divine glory. Paired with descriptions of brilliant whiteness beyond any earthly means, `{{G4744}}` captures a pivotal moment where the heavenly nature of Christ was made visible on earth. It is a testament to a glory that transcends the natural world.
TRV