Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-BLEP-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G308: A compound verb combining ἀνά (up, again) and βλέπω (to look, see), ἀναβλέπω literally means “to look up” or “to recover sight.” In biblical usage, it primarily denotes either the physical action of lifting one’s eyes upward or the miraculous restoration of sight to the blind. The word carries profound spiritual implications of receiving spiritual insight and understanding.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Compound word from ἀνά (up, again) + βλέπω (to look, see)
• Primary usage in narrative passages, particularly in miracle accounts
• Frequently appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts

ἀναβλέπω Morphology:

• ἀναβλέπω (present active indicative) – I look up/receive sight
• ἀνέβλεψα (aorist active indicative) – I looked up/received sight
• ἀναβλέψας (aorist active participle) – having looked up/received sight
• ἀναβλέψον (aorist active imperative) – look up!/receive sight!

Origin & History

The compound verb ἀναβλέπω appears in classical Greek literature primarily meaning “to look up” or “to look up to.” In Xenophon’s Anabasis (4.5.25), the term describes soldiers looking up at mountain peaks. The Septuagint employs the word both literally and figuratively, as seen in Genesis 13:14 where Abraham is commanded to “lift up his eyes” and look at the promised land.

The term gained special significance in the Hellenistic period, particularly in medical contexts referring to the restoration of sight. The famous physician Galen used it in his medical writings when discussing treatments for blindness. This medical usage likely influenced its frequent appearance in New Testament miracle narratives.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To look up physically (spatial orientation)
• To receive sight (restoration of vision)
• To regain sight previously lost (healing)
• To perceive spiritually (metaphorical insight)

ἀναβλέπω Translation Options:

• “to look up” – when describing physical action of directing gaze upward
• “to receive sight” – when referring to healing from blindness
• “to recover sight” – specifically when sight is restored after previous loss
• “to see again” – emphasizing the restoration aspect
• “to gain spiritual insight” – in metaphorical contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναβλέπω appears 25 times, with notable concentration in the Gospels’ healing narratives. Its first appearance in Matthew 11:5 connects the restoration of sight to the messianic fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. The word carries both literal and spiritual significance, often serving as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment.

The dual meaning is particularly evident in the account of Paul’s conversion, where his physical healing from blindness parallels his spiritual illumination regarding the Messiah’s identity.

• “The blind receive their sight [ἀναβλέπουσιν]” Matthew 11:5
• “Immediately he received his sight [ἀνέβλεψεν]” Mark 10:52
• “One thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see [ἀναβλέπω]” John 9:25
• “Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight [ἀνέβλεψεν]” Acts 9:18

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, blindness was often viewed as both a physical ailment and a spiritual condition. The rabbinical writings frequently used blindness as a metaphor for spiritual ignorance. The miracle of receiving sight was particularly significant because it was considered one of the distinctive signs of the Messianic age, as prophesied in Isaiah 35:5. This context explains why the healing of the blind was seen as a powerful authentication of Yeshua’s messianic claims.

The physical act of looking up (ἀναβλέπω) also carried special significance in Jewish prayer customs, where lifting one’s eyes toward heaven was a gesture of seeking Divine help and guidance, as seen in the Psalms.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναβλέπω in the New Testament beautifully illustrates the connection between physical and spiritual sight. Just as Yeshua restored physical sight to the blind, He also opens spiritual eyes to recognize Him as the Messiah. This dual application points to the comprehensive nature of His healing ministry – addressing both physical and spiritual needs.

The word particularly emphasizes the sovereign work of God in both physical and spiritual restoration. Whether in miraculous healing or spiritual illumination, ἀναβλέπω reminds us that true sight – both physical and spiritual – is a gift from God. This truth is powerfully demonstrated in John 9, where the man born blind not only receives physical sight but progressively “sees” who Yeshua truly is.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀναβλέπω, we’re reminded that just as blind eyes needed Yeshua’s touch to see, our spiritual eyes need His illumination to recognize truth. This word challenges us to examine our own spiritual sight – are we truly seeing Yeshua for who He is? Are we looking up to Him in faith?

Consider how this word might apply to your own spiritual journey. Perhaps you need to “look up” from life’s distractions to focus on heavenly things, or maybe you need the Messiah’s touch to help you see a situation from His perspective.

Related Words

• βλέπω (blepō) – to see, look at, perceive – The root word emphasizing physical sight or mental perception See G991
• ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos) – eye, spiritual faculty of perception – The organ of sight, often used metaphorically See G3788
• θεωρέω (theōreō) – to observe, perceive, experience – Focused on careful observation See G2334
• ὁράω (horaō) – to see, perceive, experience – Emphasizing mental discernment See G3708

Did you Know?

• The word ἀναβλέπω is still used in modern Greek medical terminology, particularly in ophthalmology, maintaining its ancient connection to vision and sight restoration.
• In ancient Greek art, statues of healing deities were often positioned on elevated platforms, requiring suppliants to literally “look up” (ἀναβλέπω) to seek healing, creating a fascinating parallel with the biblical usage of looking up to God for healing.
• The Hebrew equivalent of ἀναβλέπω in the concept of “lifting up one’s eyes” (נָשָׂא עֵינַיִם – nasa einayim) appears over 100 times in the Old Testament, suggesting its deep cultural and spiritual significance in biblical times.

Remember This

ἀναβλέπω reminds us that true sight – whether physical or spiritual – is always a gift from above, calling us to look up to the One who opens both blind eyes and darkened hearts.