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λαμπρότης

lamprótēs

G2987 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Radiant brightness or splendid appearance, especially visual brilliance or resplendence; denotes the quality of being strikingly bright, shining, or illustrious. The term primarily refers to visible splendor but can, in broader contexts, signify distinction, excellence, or magnificence.

Semantic Range

bright radiance, dazzling light, visible brilliance, splendor, magnificence, illustriousness, distinction

Root / Etymology

From the adjective λαμπρός (lamprós, 'bright, shining, splendid') with the abstract noun suffix -της (-tēs), forming a noun that expresses the state or quality of being bright or splendid. No evidence of non-Greek derivation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, λαμπρότης is attested from at least the 5th century BCE and denotes literal brightness, as with the shining of light or sheen of precious metals, as well as metaphorically for glory or grandeur (e.g., social or moral splendor). In the Hellenistic era and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the term maintains both its literal sense (physical radiance or dazzling light) and a transferred sense relating to exalted status, honor, or magnificence. For example, in LXX Daniel 12:3, λαμπρότης refers to the brightness of the heavenly bodies, while in Wisdom of Solomon 7:25, it describes the resplendence of divine wisdom. In the New Testament (e.g., Luke 9:29), it can be used for the shining or brilliant appearance associated with divine presence or glory. English translations often use 'brightness' or 'splendor,' but these terms may fail to fully convey both the literal radiance and the qualitative excellence that the term sometimes implies. Unlike related terms such as δόξα (glory, honor) or φέγγος (brightness, light), λαμπρότης consistently emphasizes dazzling quality or impressive display rather than inherent worth or abstract luminosity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from λαμπρός; brilliancy:--brightness.

Root Family

λαμπρότης (lamprotēs) — radiant brightness, splendor, visible brilliance, magnificence

Root λαμπρ- to shine, to be bright, to be splendid

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2987-01 λαμπρότητα lamproteta N ACC F SG brightness radiant splendor brightness 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2987-01 Acts 26:13 λαμπρότητα lamproteta N ACC F SG brightness radiant splendor brightness
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