Empty Pomp: φαντασία (Strong’s G5325: phantasia) Contrasts Kingdom Truth

Strong’s G5325: A noun meaning “display, show, pomp,” derived from φαντάζω (to make visible). Used in Acts to describe worldly pageantry and ostentatious display. Significant in contrasting earthly displays of power with genuine spiritual authority. Represents superficial grandeur versus authentic divine glory.

U- Unveiling the Word

The noun φαντασία describes external show, pomp, or display, particularly emphasizing outward spectacle and pageantry. In its sole New Testament appearance, it characterizes the grandiose entrance of Agrippa and Bernice, highlighting the contrast between worldly displays of power and true spiritual authority. The early church recognized this term’s significance in discussions about the difference between genuine spiritual authority and mere outward show. Today, φαντασία continues to challenge believers to discern between authentic spiritual power and mere external display, reminding us that God’s kingdom operates differently from worldly systems of power and prestige.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φαντασία, phantasia, fan-tas-ee’-ah
• Pronunciation Guide: fan (as in “fantastic”) + tas (as in “task”) + ee (as in “see”) + ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• φαντ- (phant-): from φαίνω meaning “to appear”
• -ασία (-asia): abstract noun-forming suffix
  Combined to mean “appearance, display, show”

D – Defining Meanings

• Pompous display
• Outward show
• Pageantry
• Spectacular appearance

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a derived noun

Translation Options:

• “Pomp” – emphasizes ceremonial display
• “Pageantry” – captures the theatrical aspect
• “Show” – focuses on the outward display element

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δόξα (doxa, dox’-ah) – glory, splendor See G1391
• λαμπρότης (lamprotēs, lam-prot’-ace) – brightness, splendor See G2987
• ἐπίδειξις (epideixis, ep-id’-ike-sis) – display, demonstration See G1732

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples of declension:

• Nominative: φαντασία
• Genitive: φαντασίας
• Dative: φαντασίᾳ
• Accusative: φαντασίαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide comprehensive understanding of φαντασία. BDAG emphasizes its use to describe ostentatious display and ceremonial pomp. Thayer’s notes its development from simple appearance to elaborate show. LSJ documents its classical usage in contexts of public spectacle and display. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its contrast with genuine authority in Acts. Strong’s connects it to the concept of making an impression through external display. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in describing official ceremonies and public displays of power in Hellenistic culture.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 25:23: “So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp [φαντασία], and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φαντασία powerfully illustrates the contrast between worldly displays of power and genuine spiritual authority. In Acts, it highlights how earthly pomp often masks spiritual emptiness. The good news is that King Jesus demonstrated true authority through humility and service, not through outward show. This challenges us to recognize that God’s kingdom operates through authentic spiritual power rather than external display, reminding us that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humble service.

D – Did You Know?

1. φαντασία is the source of our English word “fantasy.”
2. It was commonly used in describing imperial processions in Roman times.
3. Early Christian writers contrasted φαντασία with genuine spiritual manifestations.

Strong’s G5325: A noun meaning “display, show, pomp,” derived from φαντάζω (to make visible). Used in Acts to describe worldly pageantry and ostentatious display. Significant in contrasting earthly displays of power with genuine spiritual authority. Represents superficial grandeur versus authentic divine glory.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: pomp, display, show, pageantry, worldly-power, authority, ceremony, appearance, pride, humility, contrast, Acts, Paul, Agrippa, worldliness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​