Pronunciation Guide: ek-LAM-pō
Basic Definition
Strong’s G1584: ἐκλάμπω (eklampō) refers to the action of shining forth, beaming out, or radiating brilliantly from within. It describes an intense illumination that originates from an internal source and bursts outward with remarkable clarity and power. This word conveys not just ordinary light but a distinguished, exceptional brightness that captures attention and reveals what was previously hidden.
Etymology and Morphology
- Part of Speech: Verb
- Root Components: Compound of ἐκ (ek, “out from, forth”) + λάμπω (lampō, “to shine, beam”)
- Language Origin: Classical Greek
- Primary Usage: Found in narrative and teaching passages, particularly in eschatological contexts
- Frequency: Extremely rare in the New Testament (appears only once)
ἐκλάμπω Morphology:
- ἐκλάμψουσιν (future active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they will shine forth
- ἐκλάμψαι (aorist active infinitive) – to shine forth
- ἐκλάμψας (aorist active participle, nominative masculine singular) – having shone forth
- ἐκλάμπων (present active participle, nominative masculine singular) – shining forth
- ἔκλαμψον (aorist active imperative, 2nd person singular) – shine forth!
Origin & History
The verb ἐκλάμπω has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, where it described both literal and metaphorical brilliance. Xenophon used it in “Memorabilia” (3.8.9) to describe how beauty shines forth from physical objects. Plato employed it in “Republic” (473c) to illustrate how truth radiates from philosophical inquiry. The compound structure emphasizes not just illumination but projection—light emanating outward with force and clarity.
In the Septuagint (LXX), ἐκλάμπω appears in Daniel 12:3, describing how the wise will “shine brightly” (ἐκλάμψουσιν) like the brightness of the firmament—establishing a precedent for its eschatological significance that would later surface in Matthew’s gospel. The early Church Father Clement of Alexandria (in “Stromata” 6.12) drew on this metaphor, describing how divine wisdom shines forth (ἐκλάμπει) from the souls of the righteous, connecting the physical illumination with spiritual transformation.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- Radiant Illumination: To beam forth with exceptional brightness, particularly in a way that reveals something previously hidden
- Transformative Manifestation: To suddenly become visibly radiant as an external expression of an internal reality
- Revelatory Brilliance: To shine with divine clarity that exposes the true nature of something
- Eschatological Glory: To manifest the radiance of God’s kingdom in its fullness at the appointed time
ἐκλάμπω Translation Options:
- Shine forth – Emphasizes the outward direction (ἐκ-) of the light emanating from within; captures the dynamic movement of light
- Radiate brilliantly – Highlights the intensity and exceptional quality of the illumination
- Beam out – Suggests focused, directional light that extends from its source to illuminate its surroundings
- Blaze forth – Conveys both the brightness and transformative power implied in the original term
- Gleam radiantly – Reflects the distinctive, attention-drawing quality of the illumination
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἐκλάμπω appears only once, in Matthew 13:43, where Yeshua (Jesus) declares: “Then the righteous will shine forth [ἐκλάμψουσιν] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” This singular usage carries profound theological weight, as it occurs in the conclusion of the Messiah’s explanation of the Parable of the Wheat and Tares—a teaching about the final judgment and the ultimate revelation of God’s righteous ones.
This solitary New Testament occurrence creates a deliberate connection to Daniel 12:3 in the Septuagint, where the same verb describes the eschatological glory of the wise. The Matthean usage thus forms a bridge between Old and New Testament eschatology, suggesting continuity in God’s redemptive plan while emphasizing the transformative nature of belonging to Messiah’s kingdom.
- “Then the righteous will shine forth [ἐκλάμψουσιν] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matthew 13:43
Cultural Insights
In the ancient Mediterranean world, light was understood not merely as illumination but as a manifestation of divine presence and power. The Hellenistic world was familiar with the concept of “epiphany”—the sudden, radiant appearance of a deity. When ἐκλάμπω is used in Matthew 13:43, it would have evoked these cultural associations, suggesting not just visibility but transformation into a state that manifests divine glory.
For Jewish listeners familiar with Exodus traditions, this language would recall Moses’ radiant face after encountering יהוה (Yahweh) on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35). Moses’ face “shone” (קָרַן, qāran) after direct communion with God—a temporary phenomenon requiring a veil. In contrast, the ἐκλάμπω of the righteous in Matthew 13:43 represents a permanent transformation into glory—the fulfillment of what Moses experienced only partially. This connection makes Yeshua’s teaching not merely predictive but the completion of a pattern established in Torah, showing how believers in the Messiah would ultimately experience what Moses only glimpsed.
Theological Significance
The use of ἐκλάμπω in Matthew 13:43 reveals a profound aspect of God’s redemptive plan: the ultimate destiny of the righteous is not merely salvation or heavenly residence but transformation into beings who radiate God’s glory. This teaching reveals יהוה’s magnificent intention that His people should not only see His glory but participate in and manifest it. The verb suggests that the righteousness which now remains largely hidden will one day be brilliantly evident—a vindication of both God’s justice and His transformative power in human lives.
This concept of “shining forth” connects to the broader New Testament theme of glorification (Romans 8:30) and the progressive transformation believers experience through the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). What remains veiled and partial in the present age will one day burst forth in undeniable radiance. The use of ἐκλάμπω thus offers a window into God’s ultimate purpose: not merely to forgive His people but to glorify them—to make them visible reflections of His own perfect light in a restored creation where nothing of His goodness remains hidden.
Personal Application
When we grasp the meaning of ἐκλάμπω, we understand that the light of righteousness in us today is not meant to remain dim or hidden but is destined to shine forth with unmistakable brilliance. Though we may feel insignificant or our godly choices may seem unnoticed in a world that often celebrates darkness, Yeshua promises that a day is coming when our righteousness will radiate like the sun itself. This offers profound encouragement when walking the narrow path seems thankless or invisible.
This understanding calls us to live now in light of our future radiance—not seeking human recognition but stewarding the growing light within us. Just as a seed contains all the potential of what it will become, our present righteousness, though sometimes hidden, contains the embryonic form of our future glory. Each choice to walk in obedience and faith adds fuel to the light that will one day blaze forth when the Messiah reveals us as we truly are: children of light who reflect the Father’s glory.
Related Words
- λάμπω (lampō, “to shine”) – The simple form from which ἐκλάμπω derives, referring to giving light without the intensification of shining forth; describes any illumination whether modest or bright. See G2989
- φαίνω (phainō, “to appear, shine”) – Focuses more on visibility and appearance rather than the emanation of light; something can “appear” (φαίνω) without necessarily “shining forth” (ἐκλάμπω). See G5316
- ἐπιφαίνω (epiphainō, “to shine upon”) – Emphasizes light directed toward something rather than emanating outward; carries connotations of divine manifestation or appearance. See G2014
- φωτίζω (phōtizō, “to illuminate, enlighten”) – Focuses on the effect of light rather than its source; emphasizes illumination that brings understanding or revelation. See G5461
- ἀστράπτω (astraptō, “to flash like lightning”) – Describes sudden, brilliant flashes rather than sustained radiance; more intense but less enduring than ἐκλάμπω. See G797
Did you Know?
- Did you know that the medical term “eclampsia” (a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures) shares etymological roots with ἐκλάμπω? Both derive from the same Greek components, with eclampsia originally referring to the sudden “flashing forth” or “shining out” of symptoms. This connection reminds us how the language of light and revelation permeates even modern scientific terminology.
- Did you know that in ancient Greek theater, a dramatic device called “eklamprosis” was sometimes used to represent divine appearances on stage? Using polished metal reflectors and strategic lighting, characters representing gods would suddenly “shine forth” (ἐκλάμπω) on stage, creating a visual manifestation of divine epiphany that captivated audiences. This theatrical context helps us understand how powerful the Messiah’s promise of the righteous “shining forth” would have been to His original hearers.
- Did you know that in Byzantine iconography, the concept of ἐκλάμπω influenced how artists depicted saints and holy figures? The distinctive gold backgrounds and illuminated faces weren’t merely artistic convention but a theological statement—an attempt to represent visually the promise that the righteous would one day “shine forth” with divine radiance. When early believers looked at these icons, they were reminded of their ultimate destiny as described in Matthew 13:43.
Remember This
ἐκλάμπω reminds us that God’s ultimate plan for His faithful ones is not merely salvation from darkness but transformation into vessels of His radiant glory—what is now hidden will one day shine forth with unmistakable brilliance for all creation to behold.
