### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀστράπτω (astráptō, `{{G797}}`) carries the primary meaning "to flash as lightning" or "to lighten." Its etymological root is likely connected to ἀστήρ (astēr, "star"), suggesting an inherent association with brilliant, intense light. The semantic range of ἀστράπτω emphasizes a sudden, powerful, and often transient illumination, distinct from a steady glow. It conveys the idea of a burst of light, a vivid and unmistakable manifestation, often with connotations of speed and pervasiveness. This vividness implies an undeniable presence or event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀστράπτω appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospel of Luke, and each instance profoundly shapes its contextual understanding:
1. **[[Luke 17:24]]**: "For as the lightning flashes (ἀστράπτει) and shines from one part under heaven to the other part under heaven, so also will the Son of Man be in His day." Here, ἀστράπτω is used to describe the sudden, visible, and universally apparent nature of Christ's return. The comparison to lightning underscores that His coming will not be hidden or localized, but will be a clear, undeniable, and pervasive event, impossible to miss or misinterpret. The verb emphasizes the striking and undeniable visibility of this future advent.
2. **[[Luke 24:4]]**: "And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining (ἀστραπτούσῃ) garments." In this resurrection narrative, ἀστράπτω describes the garments of the two men (angels) who appeared to the women at the empty tomb. The "shining" quality of their attire signifies their divine origin, heavenly glory, and supernatural presence. This intense, radiant light serves to highlight the extraordinary and transcendent nature of the resurrection event itself, emphasizing the holiness and power associated with these heavenly messengers.
In both contexts, ἀστράπτω denotes a powerful, brilliant light that serves as a sign or accompaniment of significant divine revelation or activity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἀστράπτω is closely linked to several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ἀστραπή (astrapē, `{{G796}}`)**: This is the noun form of the verb, meaning "lightning." It is used in [[Luke 17:24]] alongside ἀστράπτω, reinforcing the image of a sudden, powerful flash.
* **φῶς (phōs, `{{G5457}}`)**: The general word for "light." While ἀστράπτω specifies a particular *kind* of light (a flash), φῶς is the broader concept.
* **λάμπω (lampō, `{{G2989}}`)**: "To shine" or "to give light," often implying a more steady radiance, though it can also describe brilliance.
* **φωτίζω (phōtizō, `{{G5461}}`)**: "To enlighten" or "to illuminate." This verb often carries a spiritual connotation of bringing understanding.
* **Δόξα (Doxa, `{{G1391}}`)**: "Glory." The shining garments in [[Luke 24:4]] are indicative of divine glory, a concept often associated with brilliant light in biblical revelation (e.g., the Shekinah glory, the transfiguration).
* **Theophany/Christophany**: The sudden, overwhelming manifestation of light is a recurring motif in biblical accounts of God's or Christ's appearance (e.g., the burning bush, the pillar of fire, the transfiguration, the Damascus road experience).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀστράπτω lies in its connection to divine revelation, power, and glory.
1. **Divine Manifestation**: The use of ἀστράπτω in [[Luke 24:4]] highlights the supernatural nature of the angelic appearance at the empty tomb. The "shining garments" signify that these beings are from the heavenly realm, imbued with divine glory and power. Their presence underscores the miraculous and divine intervention in the resurrection of Christ.
2. **The Nature of Christ's Return**: In [[Luke 17:24]], the comparison of the Son of Man's coming to lightning emphasizes its unmistakable, universally visible, and sudden nature. This refutes any notion of a secret or hidden return, asserting that Christ's advent will be a public and undeniable event, a powerful display of His sovereignty and judgment. It speaks to the clarity and undeniable evidence that will accompany His second coming.
3. **Revelation and Truth**: The sudden, intense light of ἀστράπτω serves as a metaphor for truth breaking through darkness. Just as lightning illuminates the entire sky, so too will Christ's return bring all things into the light, revealing truth and dispelling all shadows.
4. **Power and Authority**: The powerful flash of lightning is a natural phenomenon that evokes awe and demonstrates immense power. When applied to Christ's coming or angelic appearances, it conveys the overwhelming power and authority inherent in divine action.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀστράπτω (astráptō, `{{G797}}`) describes a sudden, intense, and brilliant flash of light, akin to lightning. Its two New Testament occurrences in Luke's Gospel are highly significant. In [[Luke 17:24]], it powerfully illustrates the universally visible and undeniable nature of Christ's Second Coming, emphasizing its suddenness and pervasiveness. In [[Luke 24:4]], it depicts the glorious, supernatural radiance of the angels' garments at the empty tomb, signifying their heavenly origin and the divine power associated with the resurrection. Theologically, ἀστράπτω consistently points to divine manifestation, overwhelming power, undeniable revelation, and the breaking forth of heavenly glory into the earthly realm. It underscores the clear, unmistakable presence and action of God in pivotal redemptive events.
TRV