Brief Overview of Βλέμμα (G990: Blemma)

1. Overview

Βλέμμα (Blemma, pronounced BLEM-mah) is a Greek noun derived from the verb blépō (G991), which means “to look” or “to see.” The noun blemma specifically refers to a “glance,” “look,” or “gaze.” It conveys the idea of what is seen or the act of seeing, focusing particularly on the object or the quality of the look itself. In the context of the New Testament and classical Greek literature, blemma often emphasizes the importance or significance of the gaze, whether it be a casual look, a focused observation, or a meaningful glance.

2. Detailed Description

In BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich), blemma is defined as “look, glance,” emphasizing the act of looking and the nature of the look itself. BDAG notes that blemma is used in contexts where the act of looking carries particular weight or significance, such as when observing something of importance or when the gaze itself has a meaningful or interpretive aspect. The lexicon also highlights that blemma is not just a random or passive act of looking but often involves an intentional or directed glance.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly defines blemma as “a look, a glance,” pointing out that it comes from the verb blépō, which means to see or to behold. Thayer’s emphasizes that blemma can be used to describe the way one looks at something, which may carry an implication of judgment, perception, or emotional response depending on the context. Thayer’s also notes that blemma is not a common word in the New Testament, but when used, it conveys a significant act of observation.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary offers an additional insight by indicating that blemma can also carry the nuance of what is seen in the glance or gaze. Vine’s points out that the word may not just refer to the act of looking but also to the visual perception or the object of sight that the gaze rests upon. This perspective aligns blemma with a broader understanding of perception and awareness through vision.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists blemma under G990 and provides the simple definition of “a look, a glance.” Strong’s concurs with other lexicons that the term is derived from blépō and is used in contexts where the act of looking is emphasized.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, blemma is occasionally found, though it is not as commonly used as some other terms related to sight and vision. Here are three examples:

1. Homer’s “Iliad”: Though blemma itself is not frequently found, related words from the same root are used in the context of warriors gazing upon the battlefield, where their look or gaze carries a sense of foreboding or resolution.
2. Plato’s “Symposium”: In this dialogue, Plato discusses the nature of beauty and the gaze upon beauty, where the term blemma or related concepts might be invoked to describe the act of perceiving beauty through sight.
3. Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”: The theme of sight and perception plays a critical role in the tragedy, with blemma potentially being used to describe the significant looks exchanged between characters as they uncover truths.

These examples illustrate that while blemma may not have been the most common term, it was understood within the broader context of vision, perception, and the significance of a gaze or glance in Greek literature.

4. Summary

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Βλέμμα (Blemma) is a Greek noun meaning “glance,” “look,” or “gaze,” derived from the verb blépō (to see or look). It highlights the act of looking, particularly when the look carries significance, whether emotional, observational, or interpretive. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vine’s, and Strong’s all agree that blemma emphasizes the importance of the glance or look in the context it is used. Although not commonly found in the New Testament or classical Greek literature, when it does appear, blemma serves to underline the meaning and impact of the gaze. In literature, it may be associated with significant moments of visual perception or observation, reflecting the broader cultural and philosophical emphasis on sight in the ancient world.