Lantern
“From 'phaino' meaning to give light or shine”
Summary
A covered light used for illumination at night, mentioned in connection with the arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane.
☩Biblical Reference
Lanterns are mentioned once in Scripture, in John 18:3, where the party coming to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane is described as having 'lanterns and torches.' The Greek word 'phanos' (from 'phaino,' to give light) denotes a covered light, distinct from the open torches also mentioned. This detail reflects careful preparation for a nighttime operation in an outdoor setting like the Garden of Gethsemane.
☩Ancient Lanterns
Roman lanterns were cylindrical with translucent horn sides, containing an oil lamp with an extinguisher. Bronze examples have been found in Herculaneum and Pompeii. Eastern lanterns were similar, often made with waxed cloth stretched over wire rings, with tops and bottoms of tinned copper—about two feet long by nine inches in diameter. Such lanterns were carried by servants before their masters during nighttime visits. Many Eastern towns had laws forbidding anyone to walk the streets after dark without a lantern, since there was no public street lighting.
Related Verses1 mention
John· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lantern," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Lantern," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).