λαμπάς (G2985) — Greek Lexicon

λαμπάς

lampás

G2985 noun

SILEX Entry

Root λαμπ- to shine, to emit light

Definition

A device or implement producing light, typically composed of a wick for burning oil (oil lamp) or a torch carried in the hand; in broader contexts, an object used to provide illumination, which could refer to various types of portable or stationary lights in antiquity. By extension, a symbol of guidance, preparedness, or celebration in various cultural and ritual contexts.

Semantic Range

lamp, torch, flambeau, source of illumination, instrument for giving light, ceremonial torch, festive lamp

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root verb λάμπω ('to shine, to give light, to be radiant'), with the suffix -άς forming a noun indicating an instrument associated with shining or producing light. Thus, λαμπάς fundamentally means something that produces or emits light.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, λαμπάς referred primarily to a torch—most often a handheld, burning stick covered with pitch or resin carried in processions, ceremonies, at night, or for signaling. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the sense broadened to include oil lamps (vessels with wicks for burning oil) as these became more common for indoor use. In the Septuagint and New Testament, λαμπάς can refer to both torches and oil lamps, making context critical: in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-8), for example, the women carry λαμπάδες, which could be translated as 'lamps' (in the sense of small oil lamps) or 'torches', though oil lamps are more likely given the need for oil. English Bible translations often render the word simply as 'lamp' or 'torch', sometimes failing to distinguish between these implements. The cultural significance varied: a λαμπάς could symbolize festivity (as in wedding processions), guidance (as in travel at night), or readiness/preparedness (as in parabolic teaching). The word does not refer to candles, which were unknown in the eastern Mediterranean during the Hellenistic and early Roman period.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from λάμπω; a "lamp" or flambeau:--lamp, light, torch.

Root Family

λαμπάς (lampas) — lamp, torch, light-bearing instrument, source of illumination

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G2985-02`	λαμπάδας	lampadas	`N ACC F PL`		light-bearing torches	3
`G2985-03`	λαμπάδες	lampades	`N NOM F PL`	lamps	light-bearing lamps	3
`G2985-04`	λαμπάδων	lampadon	`N GEN F PL`	torches	of lamps	2
`G2985-05`	λαμπάς	lampas	`N NOM F SG`		light-bearing lamp	1
`G2985-01`	ἄμωμον	amomon	`N ACC N SG`	spice	lamp	1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 total occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G2985-02`	Matthew 25:1	λαμπάδας	lampadas	`N ACC F PL`		light-bearing torches
`G2985-02`	Matthew 25:3	λαμπάδας	lampadas	`N ACC F PL`		light-bearing torches
`G2985-04`	Matthew 25:4	λαμπάδων	lampadon	`N GEN F PL`		of lamps
`G2985-02`	Matthew 25:7	λαμπάδας	lampadas	`N ACC F PL`		light-bearing torches
`G2985-03`	Matthew 25:8	λαμπάδες	lampades	`N NOM F PL`		light-bearing lamps
`G2985-04`	John 18:3	λαμπάδων	lampadon	`N GEN F PL`	torches	of lamps
`G2985-03`	Acts 20:8	λαμπάδες	lampades	`N NOM F PL`	lamps	light-bearing lamps
`G2985-03`	Revelation 4:5	λαμπάδες	lampades	`N NOM F PL`		light-bearing lamps
`G2985-05`	Revelation 8:10	λαμπάς	lampas	`N NOM F SG`		light-bearing lamp
`G2985-01`	Revelation 18:13	ἄμωμον	amomon	`N ACC N SG`	spice	lamp

← G2984 Greek Lexicon G2986 →