Brief Overview of ἀτενίζω (G816: Ateinízō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Ateinízō

Root Words: The term ἀτενίζω (ateinízō) is derived from ἀτενής (atenēs), meaning “steadfast” or “intently,” and the suffix -ίζω (-ízō), which forms verbs.

Primary Meanings:

• To Gaze Intently: Refers to looking at something with focus and concentration.
• To Fix One’s Gaze: Indicates a strong, unwavering attention directed towards something.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀτενίζω as “to fix one’s eyes or attention on something,” emphasizing the act of looking intently or observing carefully.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀτενίζω as “to look steadfastly,” focusing on the notion of a focused and prolonged gaze.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary indicates that ἀτενίζω means “to fix one’s eyes upon,” which reflects a sense of concentrated attention.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀτενίζω as “to gaze intently,” highlighting the idea of a fixed and deliberate observation.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀτενίζω as “to look steadfastly,” consistent with the idea of an unwavering and focused gaze.

Bible Verses:

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• Acts 1:10 (KJV): “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel.”
• The term “looked stedfastly” translates the concept of ἀτενίζω, describing the apostles’ intense gaze at Jesus as He ascended.
• Luke 4:20 (KJV): “And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.”
• “Fastened on” translates ἀτενίζω, indicating the focused attention of the people on Jesus.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Demosthenes: In his orations, Demosthenes often describes the intense scrutiny of political matters, reflecting the use of ἀτενίζω to convey focused observation.
• Plato: In Phaedrus, Plato uses the concept of focused attention to describe the way one should attentively consider philosophical ideas.
• Aristotle: In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses the importance of concentrating one’s attention on virtuous actions, which relates to the idea of ἀτενίζω.

4. Summary:

ἀτενίζω (Ateinízō) conveys the act of gazing or looking intently and steadfastly. The term emphasizes focused and concentrated attention, reflecting an unwavering observation or scrutiny. Biblical texts use it to describe intense visual focus, such as the apostles’ gaze during the Ascension and the attention of synagogue attendees to Jesus. Classic Greek literature supports this by demonstrating the concept of concentrated observation in various contexts, from political oratory to philosophical discourse.