λύχνος
lýchnos
G3088 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A portable lamp, typically an earthenware or metal vessel designed to hold oil and a wick for producing light; also, more broadly, any object or device that provides illumination. In extension, it can refer metaphorically to a source of guidance, knowledge, or a bringer of understanding.
Semantic Range
oil lamp, small portable lamp, household lamp, source of light, means of illumination, metaphorically: source of guidance or enlightenment
Root / Etymology
From root λυχ-; ultimately of Pre-Greek or uncertain origin, but possibly distantly related to λευκός (white, bright), though this connection is speculative and not linguistically secure. The word λύχνος does not directly derive from λευκός in standard etymology.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, λύχνος refers specifically to a small oil lamp, a common household item providing light. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is often paired with terminology for oil (ἔλαιον) or placed on a λυχνία (lampstand). In metaphorical use, particularly in Septuagint and New Testament contexts, λύχνος becomes an image of spiritual or moral illumination, as in Matthew 5:15 ('No one lights a λύχνος and puts it under a bushel') and elsewhere as a symbol of guidance or the enlightening function of teaching and truth. English translations have often used 'lamp' or less accurately 'candle' (the latter being anachronistic for the period). The meaning in Koine remained practical but frequently took on secondary metaphorical senses. The term is distinct from φῶς (light in its abstract sense) and φανός (torch), with λύχνος emphasizing the specific device or vessel providing light.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of λευκός; a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively):--candle, light.
Root Family
λύχνος (lychnos) — lamp, source of light
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3088-04 |
λύχνος | luchnos | N NOM M SG |
lamp | the lamp | 6 |
G3088-03 |
λύχνον | luchnon | N ACC M SG |
lamp | a lamp | 4 |
G3088-05 |
λύχνου | luchnou | N GEN M SG |
of a lamp | of a lamp | 2 |
G3088-01 |
λύχνῳ | luchno | N DAT M SG |
a lamp | to a lamp | 1 |
G3088-02 |
λύχνοι | luchnoi | N NOM M PL |
lamps | portable lamps | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
14 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3088-03 |
Matthew 5:15 | λύχνον | luchnon | N ACC M SG |
a lamp | |
G3088-04 |
Matthew 6:22 | λύχνος | luchnos | N NOM M SG |
the lamp | |
G3088-04 |
Mark 4:21 | λύχνος | luchnos | N NOM M SG |
lamp | the lamp |
G3088-03 |
Luke 8:16 | λύχνον | luchnon | N ACC M SG |
lamp | a lamp |
G3088-03 |
Luke 11:33 | λύχνον | luchnon | N ACC M SG |
lamp | a lamp |
G3088-04 |
Luke 11:34 | λύχνος | luchnos | N NOM M SG |
lamp | the lamp |
G3088-04 |
Luke 11:36 | λύχνος | luchnos | N NOM M SG |
lamp | the lamp |
G3088-02 |
Luke 12:35 | λύχνοι | luchnoi | N NOM M PL |
lamps | portable lamps |
G3088-03 |
Luke 15:8 | λύχνον | luchnon | N ACC M SG |
a lamp | a lamp |
G3088-04 |
John 5:35 | λύχνος | luchnos | N NOM M SG |
lamp | the lamp |