Brief overview of διαβλέπω (G1227: diablépō)

Transliteration: diablépō (pronounced dee-ab-LEP-o)
Part of Speech: Verb

The Greek verb διαβλέπω (diablépō) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (diá), meaning “through” or “thoroughly,” and the verb βλέπω (blépō), meaning “to see” or “to perceive.” The term literally means “to see through” or “to perceive clearly.” In the New Testament context, διαβλέπω is often used to describe the act of looking intently or perceiving something with clarity or deep insight.

Scripture References

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1. Mark 8:25
   “Then Jesus laid His hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly (διαβλέπω, diablépō).”
2. Luke 6:41
   “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly (διαβλέπω, diablépō) to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”
3. Matthew 7:5
   “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly (διαβλέπω, diablépō) to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Detailed Lexicon Description

In BDAG, διαβλέπω (diablépō) is defined as “to see clearly” or “to perceive distinctly.” The verb emphasizes not just the act of seeing, but the quality and clarity of perception, often implying a deep understanding or insight. BDAG highlights that this verb is used in contexts where the ability to see or perceive clearly is restored or enhanced, as seen in the healing of the blind man in Mark 8:25. The lexicon also points out the moral or spiritual connotation of the word in the context of self-reflection and judgment, such as in Matthew 7:5 and Luke 6:41.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly defines διαβλέπω as “to see through” or “to perceive clearly.” Thayer’s notes that the word often carries a connotation of moral or spiritual clarity, particularly in passages where the focus is on removing obstacles to clear vision, whether physical or metaphorical. The lexicon also emphasizes the restorative aspect of the word, particularly in the healing miracles of Jesus.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) provides a broader context for διαβλέπω, describing it as a verb used in classical Greek to indicate the act of seeing or perceiving something with clarity or keen insight. The term is often associated with clear judgment or discernment, particularly in philosophical or rhetorical contexts where accurate perception is essential.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer, Iliad 6.467 – In Homer’s Iliad, διαβλέπω is used to describe the act of looking intently at someone, often with a sense of deep focus or concentration. This usage emphasizes the ability to see or perceive something with great clarity or intensity.
2. Herodotus, Histories 1.210 – Herodotus uses διαβλέπω in the context of discerning the truth or understanding a situation clearly. The verb is employed to convey the importance of keen observation or insight in historical inquiry.
3. Plato, Republic 7.518c – In Plato’s Republic, the term is used metaphorically to describe the philosopher’s ability to see the truth clearly, particularly in the context of the Allegory of the Cave, where the act of seeing clearly represents intellectual and moral enlightenment.

Summary

The Greek verb διαβλέπω (diablépō) conveys the idea of seeing or perceiving with clarity and deep insight. Rooted in the concepts of thorough observation and clear vision, the word is used in the New Testament to describe both physical and metaphorical acts of seeing clearly, as seen in passages like Mark 8:25 and Matthew 7:5.

In classical Greek literature, διαβλέπω was commonly used to describe acts of keen observation, clear judgment, or deep insight, whether in the context of physical sight or intellectual discernment. The term underscores the importance of clarity in perception, both in the literal sense of seeing and in the metaphorical sense of understanding or discerning truth. Whether in the context of healing, moral reflection, or philosophical inquiry, διαβλέπω highlights the significance of clear and accurate vision in achieving a deeper understanding of reality.