ἐλαφρός
elaphros
light
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐλαφρός (elaphros) conveys the concept of being "light" in a physical and figurative sense. Its semantic domain clearly associates it with the realm of light and darkness, suggesting that this word refers to something that is radiant, weightless, or insubstantial. This word appears only twice in the Bible, indicating that its usage is rare and deliberate. Given its short definition and narrow semantic domain, it's likely used in contexts where the author wants to evoke a sense of delicacy, ease, or non-weightiness. The significance of ἐλαφρός lies in its ability to add nuance to the reader's understanding of the Bible's themes related to light and darkness. Its rarity and specificity might make it a valuable tool for authors who want to emphasize the subtle, quiet aspects of light, rather than its more intense or dramatic counterparts.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text