Definition and Context:
The term "brightening" in a biblical context often refers to the act of making something more luminous or radiant. It can be understood both literally, as in the increase of physical light, and metaphorically, as in the enhancement of spiritual understanding or joy. The concept of brightening is frequently associated with the presence and glory of God, the illumination of truth, and the transformation of the believer's life.

Biblical References:

1. Physical Light and Creation:
The Bible begins with the theme of light in the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:3-4 , God commands, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. This act of creation is the ultimate example of brightening, as God brings forth light to dispel darkness.

2. The Glory of God:
The brightening associated with God's presence is a recurring theme. In Exodus 34:29-30 , when Moses comes down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law, his face is radiant because he has spoken with the Lord. This radiance is a physical manifestation of God's glory and presence, causing fear and awe among the Israelites.

3. Spiritual Enlightenment:
Brightening is also used metaphorically to describe spiritual enlightenment and understanding. Psalm 119:130 states, "The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." Here, the brightening is the illumination of the mind and heart through God's Word, leading to wisdom and insight.

4. Joy and Hope:
The concept of brightening is linked to joy and hope in the believer's life. Proverbs 15:30 says, "The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones." This verse suggests that the brightening of one's countenance or perspective can bring about inner joy and renewal.

5. The Light of Christ:
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the light of the world, bringing spiritual brightening to those who follow Him. John 8:12 records Jesus saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This declaration emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's presence, which dispels spiritual darkness and brings life.

6. The Transfiguration:
The transfiguration of Jesus is a significant event that illustrates brightening. In Matthew 17:2 , it is written, "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." This moment reveals the divine nature of Christ and serves as a foretaste of His future glory.

7. Eternal Brightness:
The ultimate brightening is depicted in the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation. Revelation 21:23 describes the city: "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." This eternal brightening signifies the perpetual presence and glory of God, illuminating the lives of the redeemed forever.

Theological Implications:
Brightening, as seen in Scripture, is deeply connected to the presence and work of God. It signifies the dispelling of darkness, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional, and the ushering in of divine truth, joy, and hope. The believer's life is marked by this brightening as they walk in the light of Christ, reflecting His glory to the world.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Brighten.4010. mabligith -- smiling, cheerfulness, source of brightening
... mabligith. 4011 . smiling, cheerfulness, source of brightening. Transliteration:
mabligith Phonetic Spelling: (mab-leeg-eeth') Short Definition: healing. ...
/hebrew/4010.htm - 6k

CM Breviary. Brightening unto the Perfect Day.
... SUPPLEMENT. 600. CM Breviary. Brightening Unto the Perfect Day. 1 Gone is
the hollow, murky night, With all its shadows dun; O shine ...
/.../book of hymns for public and private devotion/600 c m breviary brightening.htm

The Great Stone Face
... They had but to lift their eyes, and there it was plainly to be seen, though
miles away, with the sunshine brightening all its features. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the great stone face.htm

The Gethsemane Prayer
... in its tranquil flow, so unruffled in its strong, deep current, is like the sun,
moving in meridian, unsullied glory, brightening, vitalising, ennobling and ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xii the gethsemane prayer.htm

Preface.
... One of their especial objects has been to show the ever brightening stream of prophecy,
and afterwards, its accomplishment alike with regard to heathen nations ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/preface.htm

The Interest of his Biography.
... The morning star, shining amid the brightening glow of dawn, is the fittest emblem
that Nature can supply of the herald who proclaimed the rising of the Sun of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/i the interest of his.htm

Acts VIII
... of their temporal loss must have been slight, to the truly devoted among them, compared
with the disappointment of their brightening hopes concerning the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

Luke xi. 25
... from first to last, without sin and sorrow, if, like the holy angels, they have
loved him always; a life partaking at first of death, but brightening more and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xv luke xi 25.htm

A Warning Rejected
... With the increase of business, and the brightening prospects of commerce
and manufacture, there is an increase of worldly-mindedness. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 21 a warning rejected.htm

A Warning Rejected.
... With the increase of business, and the brightening prospects of commerce
and manufacture, there is an increase of worldly-mindedness. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /21 a warning rejected.htm

Up, Up, My Soul! with Gladness Rise,
... I. Up, up, my soul! with gladness rise,. And greet the ever-brightening skies. The
morn hath come, sweet morn, awake! And from thy pinions slumber shake. II. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns from the east/up up my soul with.htm

Brightening (2 Occurrences)
...Brightening (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the righteous is as the
shining light, going on and brightening until the day be fully come. ...
/b/brightening.htm - 7k

Lightning (49 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The act of making bright, or the state of being made bright; enlightenment;
brightening, as of the mental powers. 3. (vb. n.) Lightening. Int. ...
/l/lightning.htm - 24k

Dipping (4 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The act of lifting or moving a liquid with a dipper, ladle, or the like.
5. (n.) The process of cleaning or brightening sheet metal or metal ware, esp. ...
/d/dipping.htm - 8k

Brightens (2 Occurrences)

/b/brightens.htm - 6k

Brightened (3 Occurrences)

/b/brightened.htm - 7k

Smile (4 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) The act of smiling; a peculiar change or brightening of the face, which
expresses pleasure, moderate joy, mirth, approbation, or kindness; -- opposed ...
/s/smile.htm - 8k

Stronghold (68 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV). Amos 5:9 Who is brightening up the spoiled against
the strong, And the spoiled against a fortress cometh. (See NIV). ...
/s/stronghold.htm - 25k

Fortified (79 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Amos 5:9 Who is brightening up the spoiled against the strong,
And the spoiled against a fortress cometh. (See NIV). Micah ...
/f/fortified.htm - 63k

Brightening: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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