Pronunciation Guide: ah-NAH-blep-sis

Basic Definition

Strong’s G309: ἀνάβλεψις (anablepsis) refers to the recovery or restoration of sight, both in a physical and spiritual sense. It encompasses the transformative moment when blindness gives way to vision, whether literal or metaphorical. This powerful noun embodies the divine act of opening eyes that were once sealed in darkness.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Compound word from ἀνά (up, again) + βλέψις (sight, from βλέπω “to see”)
• Primary usage in miracle narratives and prophetic fulfillment contexts
• Appears in both literal healing accounts and metaphorical spiritual contexts

ἀνάβλεψις Morphology:

• ἀνάβλεψις (nominative singular) – recovery of sight
• ἀναβλέψεως (genitive singular) – of recovery of sight
• ἀναβλέψει (dative singular) – in/with recovery of sight
• ἀνάβλεψιν (accusative singular) – recovery of sight (as direct object)

Origin & History

The word ἀνάβλεψις emerged from classical Greek medical terminology, where it was used by physicians like Hippocrates to describe the restoration of sight after physical ailments. In the Hellenistic period, philosophical writers began employing it metaphorically to describe intellectual enlightenment.

In the Septuagint, while the verb form ἀναβλέπω appears several times, the noun ἀνάβλεψις is notably absent, making its New Testament usage particularly significant. This suggests a deliberate choice by New Testament writers to employ this term specifically in connection with Messianic fulfillment.

Early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria (Protrepticus 1.8) and Origen (Commentary on John 2.2) expanded its meaning to encompass the spiritual enlightenment that comes through recognizing the Messiah Jesus.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Recovery of physical sight after blindness
• Spiritual awakening to divine truth
• Restoration of perception or understanding
• Upward looking (in a metaphorical sense)

ἀνάβλεψις Translation Options:

• “Recovery of sight” – Emphasizes the restoration aspect, most appropriate in healing contexts
• “Receiving of sight” – Highlights the gift-like nature of the restoration
• “Opening of eyes” – Captures both physical and spiritual dimensions
• “Restoration of vision” – Broader application encompassing both literal and metaphorical meanings

Biblical Usage

The noun ἀνάβλεψις appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 4:18, where Jesus reads from Isaiah, proclaiming “recovery of sight [ἀνάβλεψιν] to the blind.” This singular usage carries profound significance as it occurs in Jesus’ inaugural sermon, declaring His Messianic mission.

While the noun form appears once, the related verb ἀναβλέπω appears frequently in miracle accounts and spiritual awakening contexts. This creates a rich theological tapestry connecting physical healing with spiritual illumination.

Cross References (using related verb form ἀναβλέπω):

• “When he looked up [ἀναβλέψας], he saw nothing clearly” Mark 8:24
• “And 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 sight [ἀνέβλεψεν]” Acts 9:18

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, blindness carried significant social and religious implications. The rabbis taught that healing of blindness would be a distinctive sign of the Messianic age, based on prophecies like Isaiah 35:5. This understanding adds deeper meaning to Jesus’ use of ἀνάβλεψις in His inaugural sermon at Nazareth.

The concept also connects to the Jewish tradition of “opening the eyes” (פקח עינים) in Hebrew thought, where physical sight was intrinsically linked with spiritual perception. This helps explain why the New Testament frequently uses physical healing of blindness as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνάβλεψις in Luke 4:18 represents a profound theological declaration of Jesus’ Messianic identity and mission. By quoting Isaiah and using this term, Jesus announces that He is the fulfillment of prophetic hopes for both physical and spiritual restoration.

The word embodies the dual nature of Messiah’s ministry – bringing both physical healing and spiritual enlightenment. This duality is perfectly demonstrated in John 9, where physical healing leads to spiritual sight, culminating in the man’s worship of Jesus as Lord.

The singular appearance of ἀνάβλεψις in the New Testament, specifically in Jesus’ inaugural sermon, suggests its role as a programmatic statement about His entire ministry. It represents not just individual healings, but the broader restoration of humanity’s ability to “see” God and understand His truth.

Personal Application

Just as physical blindness isolates individuals from the visual world around them, spiritual blindness can isolate us from perceiving God’s presence and work in our lives. The concept of ἀνάβλεψις reminds us that true sight – both physical and spiritual – is a gift from God that transforms our entire perspective.

When we pray for God to “open our eyes,” we’re asking for more than just physical sight or intellectual understanding. We’re seeking the kind of transformative vision that allows us to see as He sees, to perceive His kingdom at work, and to recognize His presence in our daily lives.

Related Words

• βλέπω (blepo) – to see, perceive, basic physical sight or mental perception – differentiates from ἀνάβλεψις by lacking the restoration aspect See G991
• ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos) – eye, physical organ of sight – represents the instrument of sight rather than the act of seeing See G3788
• θεωρέω (theoreo) – to observe, contemplate – focuses on careful observation rather than restoration See G2334
• ὁράω (horao) – to see, perceive, experience – encompasses broader concept of experiencing rather than specific restoration See G3708

Did you Know?

• The modern medical term “ophthalmology” traces its roots to the same Greek vocabulary family as ἀνάβλεψις, connecting ancient understanding of vision with modern medical science.
• In ancient Greek medical texts, ἀνάβλεψις was sometimes used to describe the moment when newborns first opened their eyes and began focusing on objects, suggesting a connection between physical birth and spiritual awakening.
• The concept of restored sight as represented by ἀνάβλεψις was so significant in early Christian teaching that catacomb art often depicted Jesus’ healing of the blind man as a symbol of baptism and spiritual enlightenment.

Remember This

ἀνάβλεψις represents more than mere sight restoration—it embodies the transformative moment when divine light breaks through both physical and spiritual darkness, revealing the glory of God in the face of the Messiah Jesus.