ἐξαστράπτω

I flash forth like lightning

Definition

The verb ἐξαστράπτω means to flash forth or shine out intensely, like a sudden burst of lightning. It describes a radiant, brilliant light emanating from a source, often with a sense of divine or supernatural origin. In its sole New Testament occurrence, it specifically describes the transformation of Jesus' appearance during the Transfiguration, where His clothing became dazzlingly white (Luke 9:29). The word emphasizes not just a steady glow, but a powerful, outward flashing of brilliant light.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 9:29. It is employed in the narrative of the Transfiguration to describe the supernatural change in Jesus' appearance: 'the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.' The context is a moment of divine revelation and glory, making this a highly specific and theologically charged usage.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐξ (ex), meaning 'out of' or 'forth,' combined with the verb ἀστράπτω (astraptō, G797), meaning 'to lighten' or 'to flash like lightning.' Thus, ἐξαστράπτω literally means 'to flash out' or 'to shine forth,' intensifying the sense of light bursting outward from within.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the Transfiguration as a revelation of Jesus' divine glory and majesty. The 'flashing forth' of light from His person signifies His intrinsic, pre-existent glory as the Son of God (cf. John 1:14), momentarily unveiled to Peter, James, and John. It connects Jesus to divine theophanies in the Old Testament (e.g., Exodus 34:29-35) and foreshadows His future glorified state. Understanding this vivid Greek term enriches the passage by emphasizing the sudden, overwhelming, and supernatural nature of this revelation.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, brilliant, flashing light was commonly associated with the appearance of gods or divine beings. For Jewish readers, it would recall the radiant glory of God (Shekinah) manifested in the cloud and fire, and particularly the shining face of Moses after meeting with God (Exodus 34:29-30). The description using this term would immediately signal a divine encounter to both audiences.

φαίνω (phainō, G5316) — a more general term for 'to shine' or 'appear.' λαμπρός (lampros, G2986) — an adjective meaning 'bright' or 'shining,' describing the quality of the light rather than the action of flashing forth.

Word Details

Scripture References