περιλάμπω

I shine around

Definition

The verb περιλάμπω means 'to shine around' or 'to illuminate from all sides.' It describes a brilliant, encompassing light that completely surrounds an object or person. In its two New Testament occurrences, it refers to supernatural, divine light. In Luke 2:9, it describes the glory of the Lord that shone around the shepherds at the birth of Jesus. In Acts 26:13, it describes the heavenly light from heaven that shone around Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus. In both cases, the light is not a simple glow but a sudden, overwhelming radiance that envelops its recipients.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in narratives describing dramatic divine appearances. It occurs only twice: in Luke's Gospel (Luke 2:9) and in Luke's second volume, Acts (Acts 26:13). In both instances, it describes a supernatural, heavenly light that suddenly surrounds human beings, marking a pivotal moment of divine revelation and intervention. The pattern shows its use for theophanic events—manifestations of God's presence—that inaugurate a new phase in salvation history (the Incarnation and the commissioning of the apostle to the Gentiles).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around,' 'about,' or 'surrounding,' combined with the verb λάμπω (lampō), meaning 'to shine,' 'to give light,' or 'to beam.' It is a compound verb that literally means 'to shine all around.' Its root, λάμπω, is related to λύχνος (lychnos, 'lamp') and describes a bright, radiant light.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is reserved for describing the visible glory of God in manifestation. The 'shining around' light signifies God's direct, revelatory presence breaking into human history. In Luke 2:9, it accompanies the angelic announcement of the Messiah's birth, connecting Jesus' arrival with divine glory. In Acts 26:13, it is central to Paul's conversion narrative, demonstrating the personal, confronting, and commissioning nature of the risen Christ. Understanding this specific Greek term highlights that these were not ordinary lights but overwhelming theophanies that conveyed God's majesty, revelation, and transformative purpose.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, light was a common metaphor for divinity, revelation, and epiphany (the appearance of a god). A light that 'shone around' someone would be understood as a clear sign of a divine encounter or visitation. This aligns with Old Testament theophanies, like the pillar of fire or the glory cloud (Shekinah), where God's presence was manifested in radiant light. The term would immediately signal to ancient readers that a story of supreme divine importance was being told.

λάμπω (lampō, G2989) — The root verb meaning simply 'to shine' or 'give light,' without the connotation of surrounding illumination. φαίνω (phainō, G5316) — A broader term meaning 'to appear,' 'shine,' or 'become visible,' often used for light but also for other kinds of appearance. φωτίζω (phōtizō, G5461) — Means 'to enlighten' or 'illuminate,' often with a focus on giving intellectual or spiritual light, rather than describing a physical radiance that envelops.

Word Details

Scripture References