Lightning Meaning - Bible Definition and References (2024)

LIGHTNING

lit'-ning (baraq, chaziz; astrape):

Lightning is caused by the discharge of electricity between clouds or between clouds and the earth. In a thunder-storm there is a rapid gathering of particles of moisture into clouds and forming of large drops of rain. This gathers with it electric potential until the surface of the cloud (or the enlarged water particles) is insufficient to carry the charge, and a discharge takes place, producing a brilliant flash of light and the resulting thunder-clap. Thunder-storms are common in Syria and Palestine during the periods of heavy rain in the spring and fall and are often severe. Lightning is usually accompanied by heavy rainfall or by hail, as at the time of the plague of hail (Exodus 9:24).

See HAIL.

In the Scriptures it is used:

See Also
JetStream

  1. indicating the power of God:

    The power of God is shown in His command of the forces of Nature, and He is the only one who knows the secrets of Nature: "He made .... a way for the lightning" (Job 28:26); "He directeth .... his lightning" (Job 37:3 the King James Version); "Canst thou send forth lightnings, that they may go?" (Job 38:35); "Ask ye of Yahweh .... that maketh lightnings" (Zechariah 10:1). See also Psalms 18:14; 97:4; 135:7; Job 36:32; Jeremiah 10:13;

  2. figuratively and poetically:

    David sings of Yahweh, "He sent .... lightnings manifold, and discomfited them" (Psalms 18:14); used for speed: "The chariots .... run like the lightnings" (Nahum 2:4): "His arrow shall go forth as the lightning" (Zechariah 9:14); "The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning" (Ezekiel 1:14). The coming of the kingdom is described by Jesus as the shining of the lightning from one part of heaven to another, even "from the east unto the west" (Matthew 24:27; Luke 17:24);

  3. meaning bright or shining:

    Daniel in his vision saw a man and "his face (was) as the appearance of lightning" (Daniel 10:6). See also Revelation 4:5; 8:5; 16:18.

Alfred H. Joy

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These files are public domain.

Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'LIGHTNING'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.

Lightning Meaning - Bible Definition and References (2024)

FAQs

Lightning Meaning - Bible Definition and References? ›

In biblical poetic literature, lightning is considered to be the arrows of God, which He hurls to the earth in His anger (e.g., ii Sam. 22:15; Ps. 144:6; Zech. 9:14).

What does lightning symbolize in the Bible? ›

Easton's Bible Dictionary - Lightning

They represent God's glorious and awful majesty ( Revelation 4:5 ), or some judgment of God on the world ( 20:9 ).

What are biblical references to lightning? ›

* 2 Samuel 22:15 - And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them. * Job 28:26 - When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: * Job 37:3 - He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.

What is the spiritual meaning of lightning? ›

In dreams, the lightning bolt is an image of sudden and terrible events and a symbol of intuition. Although it can carry negative connotation, lightning is also a form of divine message, honoring those chosen. Its shape allows phallic relations, and Jung sees lightning as liberating the soul.

Why is lightning associated with God? ›

Early Greeks believed that lightning was a weapon of Zeus. Thunderbolts were invented by Minerva the goddess of wisdom. Since lightning was a manifestation of the gods, any spot struck by lightning was regarded as sacred.

What is the Hebrew word for lightning? ›

Barak (Hebrew: בָּרָק, bārāq, "lightning"), is a masculine name of Hebrew origin. It appears in the biblical Book of Judges as the name of the Israelite general Barak, who alongside Deborah led an attack against the forces of King Jabin of Hazor.

What does the lightning symbol mean? ›

For most of its history as a graphic symbol, the bolt has represented power and electricity for bands, brands, and comic book heroes alike. But it's also found a home in politics, where both left- and right-wing causes have used it to represent a whole different sort of power.

What does the thunder mean in Christianity? ›

APPENDIX - Thunder used as a metaphor for God's voice.

Throughout the Bible, thunder is used as either a metaphor for God's voice or as an accompaniment for God's voice. Ps 18:13 - The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded—hailstones and coals of fire.

What is a lightning spirit? ›

Lightning spirits are guardian spirits allied with the element of lightning. They can generate and manipulate all forms of electric energy.

What is the metaphor of lightning? ›

The phrase Lightning Strike is a metaphorical representation of the flash of inspiration/insight that occurs when a disconnected individual makes a sudden, brief, and often unexpected Connection to Consciousness.

What matter does lightning represent? ›

Answer and Explanation: Lightning does not have a state of matter because it is the movement of electrons. However, the interaction of these electrons with the gases in the air around the lightning creates a state of matter known as plasma.

Who is the god that holds lightning? ›

As the chief Greek deity, Zeus is considered the ruler, protector, and father of all gods and humans. Zeus is often depicted as an older man with a beard and is represented by symbols such as the lightning bolt and the eagle.

Who is the god of lightning and thunder in the Bible? ›

Psalm 18:13: The LORD thundered from heaven, And the Most High uttered His voice. . . . Psalm 29:2-4: Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is over many waters.

What does God of Thunder symbolize? ›

Thor (from Old Norse: Þórr) is a prominent god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred groves and trees, strength, the protection of humankind, hallowing, and fertility.

What do storms symbolize in the Bible? ›

In the Bible the storm is a symbol of many different things. Non-destructive wind is an apt picture of the presence of God because God is powerful, yet unseen (John 3:8; 4:24). When God's Spirit came at Pentecost the accompanying sign was the sound of “a mighty rushing wind” (Acts 2:2).

What does thunder represent spiritually? ›

Thunderstorms are powerful symbols of rebirth and change that take center stage in nature's most dramatic displays. Dark clouds and thunderous occurrences signal a potent cleaning process that will wash away the old and sluggish energies to make room for new beginnings.

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