περιλάμπω
perilámpō
G4034 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To shine around, to emit light so as to envelop or surround; to illuminate something or someone completely. In narrative contexts, refers to a visible radiance or glow encompassing a person or object. Can also denote a figurative overwhelming brightness or glory.
Semantic Range
to shine around, to illuminate or envelop in light, to be surrounded by radiance, to be invested with brightness; to be suffused with light
Root / Etymology
From the preposition περί (around, about) and the verb λάμπω (to shine, to give light). The compound denotes the act of shining or emitting light in such a way that it surrounds or envelops the object.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested infrequently in Greek literature, the term appears in contexts describing extraordinary radiance or supernatural phenomena, such as the manifestation of a heavenly or divine presence in New Testament narratives (e.g., Lk 2:9, Acts 26:13). In these contexts, it emphasizes not merely shining, but a light that surrounds or envelops persons, often indicating theophanic or revelatory significance. In the Septuagint and Hellenistic contexts, the term is rare; its usage in Christian literature was likely influenced by Hebrew biblical imagery of divine light and glory. English translations such as 'shine around' or 'shine round about' generally convey the spatial sense of the verb, but may not capture the intensity or overwhelming nature implied by the term. Not a common term for general illumination; contrasts with more standard terms for shining like φαίνω or φωτίζω.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from περί and λάμπω; to illuminate all around, i.e. invest with a halo:--shine round about.
Root Family
περιλάμπω (perilampō) — shine, emit light, shine around, envelop in light
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4034-02 |
περιλάμψαν | perilampsan | V AOR ACT PTCP ACC N SG |
shining round about | having shone all around | shining around | 1 |
G4034-01 |
περιέλαμψεν | perielampsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
shone around | shone all around | shone all around | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4034-01 |
Luke 2:9 | περιέλαμψεν | perielampsen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
shone around | shone all around | shone all around |
G4034-02 |
Acts 26:13 | περιλάμψαν | perilampsan | V AOR ACT PTCP ACC N SG |
shining round about | having shone all around | shining around |