Supernatural Encounter: φάντασμα (Strong’s G5326: phantasma) Reveals Divine Reality

Strong’s G5326: A noun meaning “apparition” or “phantom,” derived from φαίνω (to appear). Used in Gospel accounts of disciples mistaking Jesus for a ghost while walking on water. Represents the tension between supernatural encounters and authentic divine manifestation.

U- Unveiling the Word

The noun φάντασμα describes an apparition or phantom, reflecting ancient beliefs about supernatural appearances. In the New Testament, it appears in the dramatic account of Jesus walking on water, where the disciples, in their fear and limited understanding, mistook Him for a ghost. This word carries significant theological implications about how humans initially perceive divine intervention through the lens of their fears and cultural assumptions. The early church used this term to discuss the reality of Jesus’ physical nature against docetic claims of His being merely a spiritual appearance. Today, φάντασμα reminds us of the need to discern between genuine divine manifestation and mere supernatural speculation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φάντασμα, phantasma, fan’-tas-mah
• Pronunciation Guide: fan (as in “fantastic”) + tas (as in “task”) + mah (as in “ma”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• φαντ- (phant-): from φαίνω meaning “to appear”
• -ασμα (-asma): noun-forming suffix indicating result
  Combined to mean “an appearance” or “apparition”

D – Defining Meanings

• Apparition
• Ghost
• Phantom
• Supernatural appearance

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

Translation Options:

• “Ghost” – common translation reflecting cultural understanding
• “Apparition” – more formal, emphasizing visual aspect
• “Phantom” – captures supernatural element without specific cultural baggage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πνεῦμα (pneuma, pnyoo’-mah) – spirit See G4151
• ὅραμα (horama, hor’-am-ah) – vision See G3705
• ὀπτασία (optasia, op-tas-ee’-ah) – vision, appearance See G3701

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples of declension:

• Nominative: φάντασμα
• Genitive: φαντάσματος
• Dative: φαντάσματι
• Accusative: φάντασμα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich understanding of φάντασμα. BDAG emphasizes its use in describing supernatural appearances that inspire fear. Thayer’s notes its connection to popular beliefs about ghosts. LSJ documents its classical usage in describing various forms of apparitions and visions. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its use in the Gospel accounts of Jesus walking on water. Strong’s connects it to the concept of something that appears to sight. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in popular literature describing ghost stories and supernatural encounters.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 14:26: “And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost [φάντασμα]!’ And they cried out for fear.”

Additional References:
Mark 6:49

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φάντασμα powerfully illustrates how human beings often misinterpret divine intervention through the lens of fear and supernatural speculation. Yet in the Gospel accounts, what the disciples mistook for a φάντασμα was actually their Lord coming to them in their moment of need. The good news is that King Jesus is not a mere phantom but the incarnate God who enters our storms and calms our fears. His reality transcends our limited perceptions and meets us in our moments of terror with His peace.

D – Did You Know?

1. φάντασμα gives us the English word “phantom.”
2. Early church councils used this term in debates about Jesus’ nature.
3. Ancient Greek ghost stories often used this word to describe supernatural encounters.

Strong’s G5326: A noun meaning “apparition” or “phantom,” derived from φαίνω (to appear). Used in Gospel accounts of disciples mistaking Jesus for a ghost while walking on water. Represents the tension between supernatural encounters and authentic divine manifestation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: ghost, apparition, supernatural, fear, Jesus-walking-on-water, disciples, miracles, divine-manifestation, misconception, revelation, storm, faith, doubt, divine-presence, comfort​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​