4015. periastrapto
Lexical Summary
periastrapto: To flash around, to shine around

Original Word: περιἀστράπτω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: periastrapto
Pronunciation: pe-ree-as-TRAP-to
Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee-as-trap'-to)
KJV: shine round (about)
Word Origin: [from G4012 (περί - about) and G797 (ἀστράπτω - dazzling)]

1. to flash all around, i.e. envelop in light

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
shine round

From peri and astrapto; to flash all around, i.e. Envelop in light -- shine round (about).

see GREEK peri

see GREEK astrapto

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4015: περιαστράπτω

περιαστράπτω: 1 aorist περιηστραψα (Relz L περιεστραψα (see Buttmann, 34f (30) and Tdf.s note)), to flash around, shine about, (περί, III. 1): τινα, Acts 9:3; περί τινα, Acts 22:6. ((4 Macc. 4:10); ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings.)

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Imagery of Περιαστράπτω

Strong’s Greek 4015 portrays a burst of glory that does not merely “shine” but envelops its object, surrounding it with sudden, penetrating brilliance. Scripture links such radiance to heavenly revelation, divine authority, and transformative encounter. The verb’s only New Testament appearances connect it exclusively with the risen Christ’s personal self-disclosure.

Occurrences in Scripture

Acts 9:3

Acts 22:6

In both instances Luke recounts Paul’s Damascus-road encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Each use of the verb captures an identical reality—the in-breaking of overpowering light that engulfs Paul and halts him in his tracks.

The Damascus Theophany and Paul’s Conversion

On the journey to Damascus, “Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him” (Acts 9:3). Years later Paul repeats the event before his Jewish accusers: “About noon … a bright light from heaven flashed around me” (Acts 22:6). The midday setting heightens the miracle; the noonday sun is eclipsed by a superior radiance (cf. Acts 26:13 “brighter than the sun”). The enveloping light signals:

• The glorified status of Jesus, now exalted at the Father’s right hand.
• Divine initiative—Paul is not seeking Christ; Christ seeks Paul.
• Immediate submission—Paul falls prostrate, acknowledging the Lordship of the One who appears.

Links to Old Testament Glory Manifestations

The surrounding flash echoes Old Testament motifs:

Exodus 19:16-19 where Sinai is wrapped in fire and lightning as Yahweh descends.
Ezekiel 1:4, 28 where a storm cloud and radiant brightness announce the glory of the LORD.
Psalm 104:2 “He wraps Himself in light as with a garment.”

Luke’s choice of περιαστράπτω places Paul’s vision in that continuum of covenant revelation, underscoring continuity between the God of Israel and the risen Messiah.

Christological and Eschatological Overtones

1. Jesus as the Shekinah-Bearer: The splendor that once rested on tabernacle and temple now emanates from the risen Christ Himself, fulfilling John 1:14 “We have seen His glory.”
2. Foretaste of Parousia: The enveloping brilliance previews the glory that will attend Christ’s return (Matthew 24:27).
3. Confirmation of Resurrection: Only a living, exalted Lord could manifest such radiance; the event ratifies apostolic preaching of bodily resurrection.

Missional and Ecclesial Consequences

The flashing light inaugurates Paul’s apostolic commission. From persecutor to preacher, he becomes “a chosen vessel to carry My name before the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15). Thus, Greek 4015 stands at the pivot of salvation history, marking the moment Christ sets apart the messenger whose epistles will shape church doctrine:

• Doctrinal Clarification – Pauline letters articulate justification by faith, union with Christ, and church unity.
• Geographic Expansion – Paul’s ministry thrusts the gospel into Asia Minor and Europe, fulfilling Acts 1:8.

Pastoral and Devotional Reflections

1. Confronting Grace – No heart is beyond Christ’s sudden, surrounding light.
2. Humble Submission – True encounter with the glorified Lord leads to surrender, “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10).
3. Ongoing Illumination – While the specific Damascus phenomenon is unique, believers still experience the Spirit’s inner enlightening (Ephesians 1:18) that springs from the same resurrected life.

Forms and Transliterations
περιαστραψαι περιαστράψαι περιηστραψεν περιήστραψεν periastrapsai periastrápsai periestrapsen periēstrapsen periḗstrapsen
Links
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Englishman's Concordance
Acts 9:3 V-AIA-3S
GRK: τε αὐτὸν περιήστραψεν φῶς ἐκ
NAS: from heaven flashed around him;
KJV: suddenly there shined round about him
INT: also him shone around about a light from

Acts 22:6 V-ANA
GRK: τοῦ οὐρανοῦ περιαστράψαι φῶς ἱκανὸν
NAS: suddenly flashed from heaven
KJV: a great light round about me.
INT: heaven shone a light great

Strong's Greek 4015
2 Occurrences


περιαστράψαι — 1 Occ.
περιήστραψεν — 1 Occ.

4014
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