[Greek] λάμπω (lampō), [Latin] resplendere, [Latin] splendere, [Latin] inluminare, [German] blinken: to shine, to give light, to beam, to radiate; Mt.5:15,16, Mt.17:2, Lk.17:24, Acts 12:7, 2Cor.4:6
When God made the world, He created light.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to shine, to be bright, to light up, and to cause to shine. Light is often associated with the gods, knowledge (enlightenment), and fire. Light also involves phenomena, often perceived as omens. In a nuanced sense, man radiates “light” when he manifests heroic, admirable, and emotional qualities. Homer’s Illiad 15.608 states, “His two eyes blazed beneath his dreadful brows and round about his temples.” Pindar’s Isthmian 1,22 states “Their excellence shines clearly in the naked footraces and in the shield-clashing hoblite races.” The Hellenistic religion of light is found not in the Greek culture, but in Egypt and the Orient.
Old Testament: Although there are many references to light, the Old Testament religion is not considered as a religion of light. When God made the world, He first created light. Light is always used as an instrument (means) for God’s providence. The Shekhina and the seven-branched candelabra are some examples of how God manifests His light in the world. God reveals aspects of Himself only to a few chosen people. Because of the great gulf (distance) between God and man, there is no passing of the divine substance of light into man. Human radiance is only a reflection of that of Yahweh. And the Lord illuminates my darkness (2Sam.22:29). The light will shine on them (Isa.9:2). The flame of his fire gives no light (Job 18:5). And the moon will not shine its light (Isa.13:10). They were whiter than milk (Lam.4:7). My God brightens the darkness about me (Psa.18:28). The Lord appeared to him in fire flaming out of a torch (Exo.3:2). The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light (Isa.9:1). The glory of the Lord shines upon you Isa. 60:1).
New Testament: In the New Testament, the world beyond is thought as a radiant world of light. The light of God is unchangeable, yet also provides a power which gives knowledge, life, and moral renewal. Light is manifested by the appearance of messengers (angels) from the other world. Light is used by the Messiah, coming in glory and power. Light is used for the dawn of the Christian experience of salvation. Paul references the Hellenistic notion of linking God, light, and saving knowledge and saving salvation. Light is used of the walk of the disciples. The disciples of Jesus are to cause the light which they have received from the heavenly Father to shine in the world. The disciples are to show their good deeds and to glorify God.
Scripture:
“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Mt. 5:16
Light is used to speak of the actions of the disciples. The disciples are called to bring the light that comes from Christ.
“And He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light.” Mt.17:2
The Transfiguration become the means by which Jesus shows His glory to the disciples.
“Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ The chains fell from his wrists.” Acts 17:2
Angels are beings of light which are sent to others as part of God’s providence. Angels come the world beyond, a radiant world of light.
Conclusion:
Lamp, splendid, splendor, luminate, resplendent
I was somewhat surprised that the Greek culture did not have a significant connection with light. Instead, light plays a much more prominent role in the Egyptian and Orient cultures. The Hellenistic notion of God, light and saving knowledge will later appear in the New Testament culture. It was interesting to discover how man can “radiate” various qualities and characteristics.
Even though light is used extensively, the Old Testament religion is a not a religion of light. Instead, God uses light to reveal Himself and to carry out His providence. The Shekhina and the candelabra are examples of how God can reveal Himself.
It is interesting to note that Paul and Luke were familiar with Hellenism. Jesus becomes a source of light, which the disciples must show to others. Showing your good deeds allows to show one’s light (radiate) to others. It is very interesting in how this concept of radiating occurs in both secular and religious cultures.