ἀπαύγασμα
apaúgasma
G541 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Reflected brightness or radiance, the shining forth or emanation of light from a source. In broader contexts, denotes the visible manifestation of brilliance, often implying the visible presence or projection of a more fundamental reality, such as light or glory; in philosophical or literary contexts, the outward expression of an inner essence.
Semantic Range
radiance, brilliance, shining forth, emanation of brightness, visible expression of light, outward manifestation of inner glory
Root / Etymology
Formed from ἀπό (‘from, away from’) and αὐγάζω (‘to beam, to shine’ from αὐγή, ‘brightness, radiance’); thus, ‘that which issues or emanates as brightness from something’.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested primarily in Hellenistic and later Greek, ἀπαύγασμα is a rare and somewhat poetic or philosophical term. Most famously used in Hebrews 1:3 to describe the nature of the 'Son' in relation to 'God,' where it conveys the notion of ‘radiant emanation’ rather than mere reflected light. The word does not appear in the Septuagint. In philosophical contexts (e.g., Philo, post-NT literature), it can signify the outflow or visible expression of a thing’s true nature, especially used of light, glory, or divine attributes. English translations often render it as ‘radiance,’ ‘reflection,’ or ‘effulgence,’ but all may miss the nuance of actual origination versus simple reflection, which is present in Greek usage. The term contrasts with words such as ἀνταύγεια ('reflection'), which imply a distinct, mirrored aspect rather than an emanating one. There is no strict precedent for its use in classical Greek; its concept is more at home in Hellenistic philosophical or metaphorical usage, especially concerning the manifestation of abstract or divine qualities.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of ἀπό and αὐγάζω; an off-flash, i.e. effulgence:--brightness.
Root Family
ἀπαύγασμα (apaúgasma) — radiance, shining forth, emanation of brightness, visible manifestation of light
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G541-01 |
ἀπαύγασμα | apaugasma | N NOM N SG |
radiance | radiant emanation | radiant emanation | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G541-01 |
Hebrews 1:3 | ἀπαύγασμα | apaugasma | N NOM N SG |
radiance | radiant emanation | radiant emanation |