### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **astḗr**, represented by `{{G792}}`, refers to a **star**, a celestial body seen as if strown over the sky. It appears **24 times** across **21 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used both literally to describe physical stars and figuratively to represent other concepts or beings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G792}}` is used in several key contexts. Literally, it guided the **wise men** `{{G3097}}` from the **east** `{{G395}}` to **worship** `{{G4352}}` the newborn **King** `{{G935}}` ([[Matthew 2:2]], [[Matthew 2:9]]). It is also frequently mentioned in prophetic and apocalyptic visions, such as the **stars** `{{G792}}` falling from **heaven** `{{G3772}}` as a sign of cosmic upheaval ([[Matthew 24:29]], [[Revelation 6:13]]). Figuratively, a **star** `{{G792}}` can represent an **angel** `{{G32}}` or a messenger, as seen in Revelation where the **seven** `{{G2033}}` **stars** `{{G792}}` are the **angels** `{{G32}}` of the **seven** `{{G2033}}` churches [[Revelation 1:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the literal and figurative use of **astḗr**:
* **`{{G2246}}` hḗlios** (the sun): This term often appears with **astḗr** in passages describing the cosmos, such as in prophecies where the **sun** `{{G2246}}` will be **darkened** `{{G4654}}` alongside other celestial signs [[Matthew 24:29]].
* **`{{G32}}` ángelos** (angel): This word provides a direct figurative interpretation, as the **seven** `{{G2033}}` **stars** `{{G792}}` held by Christ are identified as the **angels** `{{G32}}` of the seven churches [[Revelation 1:20]].
* **`{{G1391}}` dóxa** (glory): Scripture distinguishes between celestial bodies by their unique **glory** `{{G1391}}`, stating that one **star** `{{G792}}` **differeth from** `{{G1308}}` another in **glory** `{{G1391}}` [[1 Corinthians 15:41]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G792}}` is significant, representing key spiritual concepts.
* **Divine Guidance and Signs:** A **star** `{{G792}}` acts as a divine **sign** `{{G4592}}`, most notably the one that **appeared** `{{G5316}}` in the **east** `{{G395}}` to guide the **wise men** `{{G3097}}` to the infant Jesus ([[Matthew 2:7]], [[Matthew 2:9]]).
* **Christ's Authority and Identity:** Jesus is identified as "the bright and morning **star** `{{G792}}`" [[Revelation 22:16]], a title signifying his supreme authority and role as a light to the world. He also **holdeth** `{{G2902}}` the **seven** `{{G2033}}` **stars** `{{G792}}`, symbolizing his control over the messengers of the churches [[Revelation 2:1]].
* **Symbols of Judgment and Apostasy:** In apocalyptic prophecy, falling **stars** `{{G792}}` signify immense judgment and the shaking of heavenly **powers** `{{G1411}}` [[Mark 13:25]]. Figuratively, false teachers are called "wandering **stars** `{{G4107}}`" for whom **blackness** `{{G2217}}` of **darkness** `{{G4655}}` is reserved [[Jude 1:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G792}}` is a word with rich literal and symbolic meaning. It functions as a literal celestial body that gives **light** `{{G5338}}` and provides guidance, but it is also used figuratively to represent divine messengers, Christ's supreme identity, and powerful forces of judgment. From the star that **appeared** `{{G5316}}` over Bethlehem to the symbolic **stars** `{{G792}}` held in Christ's hand, **astḗr** illustrates how scripture uses the natural creation to explain profound spiritual realities.
TRV