from φῶς; to shed rays, i.e. to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively):--enlighten, illuminate, (bring to, give) light, make to see.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phōtízō**, represented by `{{G5461}}`, means to shed rays, to shine, or to brighten up, both literally and figuratively. It appears **15 times** in **11 unique verses**. Its core meaning revolves around bringing light, whether to the physical world, the human understanding, or to reveal what was once hidden.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5461}}` is used in several key contexts. It conveys the idea of spiritual insight, as in the prayer for the "eyes of your understanding being **enlightened**" [[Ephesians 1:18]]. It is also used to describe revealing what is concealed, as the Lord will "bring to **light** the hidden things of darkness" [[1 Corinthians 4:5]]. The word is used to describe the effect of Christ's coming, who has **brought life** and immortality **to light** through the gospel [[2 Timothy 1:10]]. In the book of Revelation, it describes a literal, divine illumination where the glory of God will **lighten** the new city [[Revelation 21:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of light and revelation:
* `{{G5457}}` **phōs** (light): As the root word, it refers to luminousness in its widest sense. God is called the "Father of **lights**" [[James 1:17]].
* `{{G4655}}` **skótos** (darkness): This term provides a direct contrast, representing obscurity. Believers are delivered from the power of **darkness** [[Colossians 1:13]].
* `{{G5319}}` **phaneróō** (to render apparent): This word is closely linked to illumination, meaning to make manifest. It is used alongside `{{G5461}}` to describe how the Lord will **make manifest** the counsels of the hearts [[1 Corinthians 4:5]].
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (to see, to know): This word connects the act of being enlightened with the result of perception. The goal of enlightenment is so that believers "may **know** what is the hope of his calling" [[Ephesians 1:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5461}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's work.
* **Spiritual Illumination:** The word is central to the concept of salvation and spiritual understanding. It is used to describe the initial experience of believers who were "once **enlightened**" [[Hebrews 6:4]] and the ongoing need for the eyes of the heart to be **enlightened** [[Ephesians 1:18]].
* **Revelation of Divine Truth:** `{{G5461}}` is used to show how the gospel reveals mysteries. Through Christ's **appearing** `{{G2015}}`, **life** `{{G2222}}` and **immortality** `{{G861}}` are **brought to light** [[2 Timothy 1:10]].
* **Eschatological Glory:** The term points to the final state of the new creation, where God's glory provides the ultimate illumination. The new city has no need for sun or moon because the glory of God **did lighten** it [[Revelation 21:23]], and the Lord God **giveth them light** [[Revelation 22:5]].
### Summary
In summary, **phōtízō** `{{G5461}}` is a dynamic word that conveys much more than physical light. It describes the divine act of granting spiritual understanding, revealing the profound truths of the gospel, and ultimately, being the very source of eternal light in the age to come. It powerfully illustrates the movement from darkness and ignorance to the light of God's knowledge and presence.
TRV