φέγγος
phéngos
G5338 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Brightness or radiance, especially as emitted by a source of light; in literary and figurative usage, refers to visible light or shining splendor rather than specifically illumination for seeing. The term denotes the physical quality of shining or brightness, both literal (e.g., the radiance of celestial bodies or lamps) and metaphorical (splendor, glory).
Semantic Range
brightness, radiance, brilliancy, shining splendor, visible light, the glow of celestial bodies or lamps
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root φεγγ-, which is related to the concept of bright or shining light. It is likely connected with φῶς (light) and shares a common Indo-European background with words signifying 'shine' or 'illuminate.' Some connection with φθέγγομαι (to utter a sound) is suggested in older lexica, but this is likely coincidental and not etymologically secure.
Historical & Contextual Notes
φέγγος is a poetic or literary term in contrast to the more commonly used φῶς (“light” as illumination, both literal and metaphorical, including ethical and spiritual meanings) and φλόξ (“flame”). In the Septuagint and Koine sources, φέγγος most often signifies the visible brightness of celestial bodies or other sources, not the act of illumination or the abstract concept of light as knowledge. In the New Testament, it appears rarely and retains its sense of visible radiance or brightness. English translations often render φέγγος simply as 'light,' but this does not always capture its specific connotation of brilliancy or splendor. Unlike φῶς, φέγγος usually does not carry metaphorical senses related to understanding or revelation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably akin to the base of φῶς (compare φθέγγομαι); brilliancy:--light.
Root Family
φέγγος (phengos) — brightness, radiance, shining splendor, visible light
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5338-01 |
φέγγος | pheggos | N ACC N SG |
light | radiance | brightness | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5338-01 |
Matthew 24:29 | φέγγος | pheggos | N ACC N SG |
light | radiance | brightness |
G5338-01 |
Mark 13:24 | φέγγος | pheggos | N ACC N SG |
light | radiance | light |