Lexical Summary periastrapto: To flash around, to shine around Original Word: περιἀστράπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance shine roundFrom 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: περιαστράπτωπεριαστράπτω: 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 ΠεριαστράπτωStrong’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 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. 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. 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.” 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. Pastoral and Devotional Reflections 1. Confronting Grace – No heart is beyond Christ’s sudden, surrounding light. Forms and Transliterations περιαστραψαι περιαστράψαι περιηστραψεν περιήστραψεν periastrapsai periastrápsai periestrapsen periēstrapsen periḗstrapsenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 9:3 V-AIA-3SGRK: 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 Strong's Greek 4015 |