Apaugasma means radiance, effulgence (shining forth), or the reflected brilliance of a source of light. It occurs once in the New Testament (Hebrews 1:3), where the Son is called the apaugasma of God's glory. Scholars debate whether it means radiance (light shining from the source) or reflection (light bounced back from the source) — both interpretations affirm Christ's divine origin.
Hebrews 1:3 contains one of the highest Christological statements in Scripture. The Son is the apaugasma of the Father's glory — meaning Christ is not a dimmer version or a copy of God, but the full radiance of divine glory made visible. As the sun's light is inseparable from the sun itself, so the Son is inseparable from and equal to the Father. This verse counters every diminished view of Christ.