Understanding βλέπω (blepō) Strong’s G991: The Divine Gift of Spiritual Sight That Transforms Our Perception

Pronunciation Guide: blep’-o (short ‘e’ as in “pet,” emphasis on first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G991: βλέπω (blepō) fundamentally means “to see” or “to look at” with physical eyes, but extends beyond mere visual perception to include mental discernment and spiritual awareness. It encompasses the act of directing one’s gaze intentionally toward something worthy of attention. As used in Scripture, βλέπω often carries the nuance of perceiving with understanding and insight, not just observing superficially but truly comprehending what is seen.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: βλέπω (blepō)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative passages, teaching sections, prophetic warnings, and epistolary exhortations
• Semantic Domain: Sensory perception, cognitive understanding, spiritual discernment

βλέπω Morphology:

• βλέπω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I see/look
• βλέπεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you see/look
• βλέπει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it sees/looks
• βλέπομεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we see/look
• βλέπετε (present active indicative, 2nd person plural) – you (plural) see/look
• βλέπουσι(ν) (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they see/look
• βλέπειν (present active infinitive) – to see/look
• βλέπων (present active participle, nominative singular masculine) – seeing/looking
• βλέποντες (present active participle, nominative plural masculine) – seeing/looking
• ἔβλεπον (imperfect active indicative, 1st person singular) – I was seeing/looking
• βλέψον (aorist active imperative, 2nd person singular) – look! (command)

Origin & History

The verb βλέπω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it primarily denoted physical sight. In Homer’s works, particularly the Iliad and Odyssey (8th century BCE), βλέπω appears frequently to describe characters observing their surroundings or gazing upon objects of significance. The word evolved in Attic Greek literature to encompass metaphorical sight, as evidenced in Plato’s Republic, where he uses forms of βλέπω to describe philosophical perception and the “seeing” of abstract truth.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures completed around the 2nd century BCE, βλέπω often translates Hebrew verbs like רָאָה (ra’ah) and חָזָה (chazah), which similarly span physical and spiritual sight. This translation choice established an important linguistic bridge between Hebrew and Greek conceptualizations of vision and perception. By the time of the New Testament’s composition, βλέπω had developed a rich semantic range that included physical sight, mental perception, and spiritual discernment—a development clearly reflected in its New Testament usage, particularly in the writings of Paul and the Gospels.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical Sight – The basic act of seeing with the eyes; perceiving the visible world
• Attentive Observation – Looking carefully at something with focused attention
• Mental Perception – Understanding or comprehending what is seen
• Spiritual Discernment – Perceiving spiritual realities beyond the physical
• Cautious Awareness – Being alert to dangers or warnings

βλέπω Translation Options:

• “to see” – Best when referring to simple physical sight; captures the basic meaning but may miss deeper nuances in spiritual contexts
• “to perceive” – Appropriate when βλέπω implies understanding beyond mere visual observation; helpful for contexts involving insight
• “to be aware” – Useful when the context emphasizes alertness or vigilance, especially in warnings
• “to consider” – Effective when βλέπω suggests contemplative observation rather than casual glancing
• “to discern” – Ideal for passages where spiritual sight or deep understanding is emphasized

Biblical Usage

The verb βλέπω appears 133 times throughout the New Testament, with significant concentrations in the Gospels and Pauline epistles. In the Gospels, it often describes Jesus healing the blind, creating a powerful metaphor for spiritual enlightenment alongside physical restoration. In Matthew 5:28, its first New Testament appearance, Yeshua (Jesus) uses βλέπω to address not just physical sight but the internal gaze of lust: “But I say to you that everyone who looks at [βλέπων] a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Paul employs βλέπω extensively to contrast physical and spiritual vision. In his epistles, the verb frequently appears in exhortations to “see” or “take heed” of spiritual truths or warnings. This usage underscores the New Testament’s broader theme that true sight extends beyond the physical to the realm of spiritual understanding. The contrast is perhaps most powerfully articulated in 2 Corinthians, where Paul discusses the “veil” that prevents spiritual sight and the transformation that occurs when one truly “sees” the glory of the Lord.

• “But I say to you that everyone who looks at [βλέπων] a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:28
• “Jesus answered, ‘Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees [βλέπει] the light of this world.'” John 11:9
• “For now we see [βλέπομεν] in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
• “Look out [βλέπετε] for the dogs, look out [βλέπετε] for the evildoers, look out [βλέπετε] for those who mutilate the flesh.” Philippians 3:2
• “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen [βλεπόμενα] was not made out of things that are visible.” Hebrews 11:3
• “See [βλέπετε] that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.” Hebrews 12:25
• “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against [literally “see,” βλέποντες] you as evildoers, they may see [ἐποπτεύσαντες, a different verb for seeing] your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:11-12

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, sight was considered the most reliable and noble of the senses. This cultural understanding of vision permeates biblical texts and illuminates the significance of βλέπω beyond mere physical sight. For ancient Israelites and Greeks alike, to “see” something was often equivalent to knowing or understanding it. This explains why in Hebrew thought, prophets were originally called “seers” (רֹאֶה, ro’eh) before they were called prophets (נָבִיא, navi), as in 1 Samuel 9:9.

The Jewish understanding of sight was deeply connected to obedience and covenant faithfulness. The Shema, Israel’s central confession of faith, begins with “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4), but this hearing was understood as a form of seeing—perceiving the truth of יהוה (Yahweh). This helps explain why Yeshua often coupled miraculous healing of blindness with challenges to “see” spiritual truth. In Jewish thought, physical blindness was sometimes associated with spiritual blindness or divine judgment, making Jesus’ healing of the blind not just compassionate acts but powerful messianic signs demonstrating His identity as the one who restores both physical and spiritual sight.

Theological Significance

The concept of βλέπω carries profound theological implications regarding divine revelation and human perception. Throughout Scripture, true sight is presented as a gift from God—humans can only “see” spiritual realities when God enables their perception. This theological principle highlights the sovereignty of God in revelation and the necessity of divine grace for spiritual understanding.

In the ministry of Yeshua, the healing of blindness becomes a central metaphor for salvation itself. When Jesus heals blind eyes, He is not merely performing a physical miracle but enacting a spiritual reality: the opening of human understanding to perceive the kingdom of God. This is why He frequently follows physical healing with statements about faith and spiritual perception. The Messiah’s work involves not just restoring physical sight but granting the ability to “see” God’s truth, which is the essence of salvation.

Paul’s theology of βλέπω reaches its apex in 2 Corinthians 3-4, where he contrasts the veiled understanding of those who cannot perceive Christ in the Scriptures with the illuminated vision of believers. For Paul, authentic Christian experience involves a transformation of sight: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding [a related word to βλέπω] the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). This theological framework establishes spiritual sight as both the means and evidence of transformation into Christlikeness.

Personal Application

To truly βλέπω—to see with spiritual eyes—requires intentional practice of looking beyond surface appearances to perceive God’s activity in our lives and world. Just as Yeshua challenged His disciples to “see” beyond physical realities to spiritual truths, we too are called to develop spiritual perception that recognizes God’s presence in everyday circumstances. This kind of seeing doesn’t happen automatically; it requires cultivation through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and community discernment.

Begin by asking the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see what He wants you to notice today—perhaps a person in need, a truth in Scripture you’ve overlooked, or an area in your life requiring transformation. Practice “seeing” people as Yeshua sees them—not according to outward appearance but according to their true identity as image-bearers of God. As you develop this habit of spiritual sight, you’ll find your perception gradually transforming, enabling you to recognize God’s handiwork even in circumstances that once seemed ordinary or challenging. This transformation of vision eventually leads to transformation of life, as we inevitably become what we consistently behold.

Related Words

• ὁράω (horaō, pronounced ho-rah’-o) – Focuses on the actual perception or experience of seeing, often with greater emphasis on the result or effect of seeing rather than the act itself. While βλέπω emphasizes the act of looking or directing one’s gaze, ὁράω often suggests completed sight or understanding. See G3708
• θεωρέω (theōreō, pronounced theh-o-reh’-o) – Conveys the idea of careful observation, contemplation, or inspection. Unlike βλέπω, which can indicate casual or immediate sight, θεωρέω suggests sustained attention and often implies gaining deeper insight through careful examination. See G2334
• θεάομαι (theaomai, pronounced theh-ah’-om-ahee) – Emphasizes the sense of gazing at something with wonder, amazement, or contemplation. While βλέπω is more general, θεάομαι often carries emotional or interpretive nuances—seeing with appreciation or amazement. See G2300
• σκοπέω (skopeō, pronounced sko-peh’-o) – Means to look at attentively, to watch, to consider with attention. Unlike βλέπω, which can indicate general sight, σκοπέω always implies intentional focus and careful examination, often with a goal or purpose in mind. See G4648
• ἀναβλέπω (anablepō, pronounced an-ab-lep’-o) – A compound of ἀνά (up) and βλέπω, meaning “to look up” or “to recover sight.” This word specifically appears in healing narratives when blind people receive sight, creating a powerful metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. See G308

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Greek medical texts, particularly those attributed to Hippocrates (5th-4th century BCE), βλέπω and related terms were used to describe diagnostic observation? Physicians were taught to “see” (βλέπειν) symptoms carefully, establishing a connection between accurate visual perception and true understanding that parallels the New Testament’s spiritual applications of the term. This medical background adds depth to passages where Jesus “sees” ailments before healing them, suggesting not just casual observation but penetrating diagnostic insight.
• Did you know that the Hebrew concept corresponding to βλέπω has connections to prophetic ministry? In ancient Israel, prophets were initially called רֹאִים (ro’im) or “seers” because they could “see” what others could not—divine revelation and future events. This cultural background illuminates why the New Testament frequently associates true βλέπω with spiritual discernment and prophetic insight, suggesting that authentic spiritual vision is a continuation of the prophetic tradition where God grants special perception to His servants.
• Did you know that in modern Greek (Demotic Greek), the verb βλέπω is still commonly used? It appears in everyday expressions like “Βλέπω τηλεόραση” (“I watch television”) and “Βλέπεις τι ώρα είναι;” (“Do you see what time it is?”). The word has maintained its core meaning of visual perception while expanding to include metaphorical senses of understanding and awareness, much as it did in biblical times. This linguistic continuity demonstrates the enduring power of the concept across nearly three millennia of Greek language development.

Remember This

The journey from βλέπω to true spiritual sight is the transformation from merely looking with physical eyes to perceiving with the illuminated heart that recognizes God’s presence, purposes, and promises in all of life.