### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phéngos**, represented by `{{G5338}}`, denotes **brilliancy** or **light**. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to describe both the light from celestial bodies and the illumination from a man-made source like a lamp.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5338}}` appears in two distinct contexts. It is used twice to describe the eschatological dimming of the heavens, where "the moon shall not give her **light**" as a sign of tribulation ([[Matthew 24:29]]; [[Mark 13:24]]). In a different context, it refers to the light of a candle, which is placed on a candlestick so that people who enter may see the **light** [[Luke 11:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context for `{{G5338}}`:
* `{{G4582}}` **selḗnē** (the moon): This is the celestial body whose **light** (phéngos) is said to fail during the tribulation [[Matthew 24:29]]. The moon and sun are often mentioned together in passages describing cosmic signs [[Luke 21:25]].
* `{{G3088}}` **lýchnos** (a portable lamp): This is the source of the **light** (phéngos) in the parable from Luke. This word can be used literally or figuratively, such as when the Lamb is described as the **light** of the city [[Revelation 21:23]].
* `{{G4654}}` **skotízō** (to obscure): This verb is used to describe what happens to the sun when the moon fails to give its **light**. In prophetic passages, celestial bodies are **darkened**, signifying a divine event [[Mark 13:24]].
* `{{G681}}` **háptō** (to set on fire): This verb describes the action taken to produce the **light** in Luke's parable, where a man has **lighted** a candle [[Luke 11:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5338}}` is demonstrated in its specific applications.
* **Cosmic Signs:** The absence of **light** (phéngos) from the moon serves as a divine sign of the end times and tribulation. This links the word to prophecies concerning the shaking of the heavens ([[Matthew 24:29]]; [[Mark 13:24]]).
* **Purposeful Illumination:** In the parable of the candle, the **light** is intended to be seen and provide guidance. The act of lighting `{{G681}}` a candle `{{G3088}}` is done specifically so people may see the **light** `{{G5338}}`, implying that truth is not meant to be hidden [[Luke 11:33]].
* **Light versus Obscurity:** The word exists in a direct relationship with the concept of being **darkened** `{{G4654}}`. The light from the sun is obscured, and the light `{{G5338}}` from the moon fails, signifying a great disruption of the created order [[Mark 13:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5338}}` provides a specific term for **brilliancy**. Though used infrequently, it is applied significantly to both the vast light of the moon and the focused light of a single candle. It carries theological weight by illustrating concepts of eschatological signs and the essential visibility of that which is meant to illuminate.
TRV