### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phōstḗr**, represented by `{{G5458}}`, is defined as an **illuminator** or **luminary**. Derived from the word for light, it can refer to a concrete source of light or abstractly to **brilliancy**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5458}}` serves two distinct illustrative purposes. In Philippians, believers are called to "shine as **lights** in the world" [[Philippians 2:15]], acting as moral luminaries in the midst of a "crooked and perverse nation." In Revelation, the term describes the splendor of the New Jerusalem, whose **light** is divinely sourced from "the **glory** of God" and is compared to a "jasper stone, clear as crystal" [[Revelation 21:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the concept of light and glory:
* `{{G5316}}` **phaínō** (to lighten (shine), i.e. show): This verb is used directly in [[Philippians 2:15]], where believers **shine** as lights `{{G5458}}`. It is also used to describe how the "true light now **shineth**" [[1 John 2:8]] and, in contrast, how hypocrites desire to "be **seen** of men" [[Matthew 6:5]].
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory): This term is explicitly linked to `{{G5458}}` in [[Revelation 21:11]], where the city's **light** `{{G5458}}` is a function of possessing the **glory** `{{G1391}}` of God. The Bible speaks of God as "the Father of **glory**" [[Ephesians 1:17]] and of Christ in believers as "the hope of **glory**" [[Colossians 1:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5458}}` is tied to its function as a holder and reflector of light.
* **The Believer as a Luminary:** In [[Philippians 2:15]], believers are described as "sons of God" who are to function as **lights** `{{G5458}}` in the world. Their purpose is to shine blamelessly "in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation."
* **God's Manifest Glory:** In [[Revelation 21:11]], the **light** `{{G5458}}` of the New Jerusalem is not an independent source but is the result of possessing "the **glory** of God." This illustrates that the ultimate source of true light and brilliancy is God himself.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5458}}` is a specific and impactful term for a luminary. Though used only twice, it powerfully contrasts two kinds of light-bearers: the believer, who is called to be a moral **light** in a dark world [[Philippians 2:15]], and the New Jerusalem, which possesses a divine **light** sourced directly from the **glory** of God [[Revelation 21:11]]. The word encapsulates the idea of being an illuminator, whether through righteous living or by embodying divine splendor.
TRV