φωστήρ (G5458) — Greek Lexicon

φωστήρ

phōstḗr

G5458 noun

SILEX Entry

Root φωστήρ to shine, to emit light, to illuminate

Definition

A source of light, a luminary; generally denotes an object that emits or reflects light, such as a star, planet, or lamp. Can also refer to a metaphorical light-bringer, someone or something that brings enlightenment, guidance, or clarity. In specific contexts, the word may emphasize the brightness or shining quality of the object, rather than just illumination.

Semantic Range

luminary, star, sun, moon, light-bearer, source of light, one who brings illumination, metaphorical enlightener, brilliancy

Root / Etymology

Derived from φῶς (phōs, 'light'), with the agentive suffix -τήρ, indicating one who does or produces the action. Thus, φωστήρ means literally 'light-bearer' or 'light-giver.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, φωστήρ most commonly referred to physical objects generating or reflecting light, especially celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars (see Homer, Hesiod). In Hellenistic and Koine usage (including the Septuagint and New Testament), it continues to denote sources of light in both literal and metaphorical senses. In the Septuagint (Gen 1:14-16, 'the great lights'), the term is used for the sun and moon as major sources of light. Philo and later writers extend the sense to moral or intellectual light-bringers, such as wise or virtuous leaders. In Paul's letters (e.g., Phil 2:15), φωστήρες is used metaphorically for people who bring spiritual or ethical illumination, often translated 'lights' or 'luminaries.' Traditional English translations render the term as 'lights,' 'luminaries,' or occasionally 'stars,' but these may lose the metaphorical nuance or the focus on 'light-bearer.' The word is related to φῶς ('light'), but differs from λύχνος (lamp) by focusing on the quality of emitting or reflecting light broadly, rather than being a particular instrument of light.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from φῶς; an illuminator, i.e. (concretely) a luminary, or (abstractly) brilliancy:--light.

Root Family

φωστήρ (phōstēr) — to shine, to emit light, to illuminate

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G5458-02`	φωστῆρες	phosteres	`N NOM M PL`	lights	light-bearers	1
`G5458-01`	φωστὴρ	phoster	`N NOM M SG`	light	light-bearer	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G5458-02`	Philippians 2:15	φωστῆρες	phosteres	`N NOM M PL`	lights	light-bearers
`G5458-01`	Revelation 21:11	φωστὴρ	phoster	`N NOM M SG`	light	light-bearer

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