Historical source transcription

The Synonymous Words for

"Light" etc

1. phos = light (underived and absolute); the opposite of darkness. Used therefore specially of God (John 1: 4, 5; 8: 12. 1 John 1: 5, etc.). 2. phoster = a light, or light-giver, used of star light, and light holders or bearers. (Compare Genesis 1: 14, 16 ). 3. photismos = a lighting, illumination, shining. 4. luchnos = a portable hand-lamp fed by oil, burning for a time and then going out. See John 5: 35, where luchnos is used of John the Baptist in contrast with No. 1 ( phos ), which is used of Christ (John 8: 12, etc.). 5. luchnia = a lampstand. 6. lampas = a torch (Judges 7: 16, 20 ) fed with oil from a small vessel (the angeion of Matthew 25: 4 ) constructed for the purpose. 7. phengos = light (No. 1) in its effulgence, used of moonlight, except in Luke 11: 33 where it is used of lamplight. Occurs elsewhere only in Matthew 24: 29 and Mark 13: 24.