Brief Overview of ἐμβλέπω (Strong’s G1689: emblépō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the nuanced meanings that often get lost in translation. The Greek verb ἐμβλέπω (emblépō) is one such term that plays a significant role in the New Testament. It carries the idea of looking at or gazing intently, a concept that has both literal and metaphorical implications in scripture. The word’s usage helps to illuminate moments of deep perception, contemplation, or recognition, which are crucial for interpreting the actions and teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Beyond its biblical applications, ἐμβλέπω also offers insights into how ancient Greeks understood the act of seeing—not just as a physical process, but as a means of understanding and engaging with the world.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμβλέπω (emblépō) [em-BLEH-poh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐν (en), meaning “in” or “into,” combined with βλέπω (blépō), which means “to see” or “to look.” Together, it literally means “to look into” or “to gaze at.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Active voice, indicative mood, first person singular form).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Look at Intently: The primary meaning of ἐμβλέπω is to gaze or look at something or someone with intent, often implying a deeper level of attention or perception.
• To Contemplate: It also carries the connotation of contemplating or considering something carefully, often with a focus on understanding or insight.
• To Perceive: In some contexts, ἐμβλέπω can mean to perceive or recognize something, suggesting more than just visual sight but a mental or spiritual understanding.

Similar Words:

• βλέπω (blépō) [BLEH-poh]: This is the root verb meaning “to see” or “to look.” It is a more general term, whereas ἐμβλέπω emphasizes the act of looking with intent or focus.
• θεωρέω (theōréō) [theh-oh-REH-oh]: This term also means “to look at” or “to behold,” often with an emphasis on observation or viewing something attentively. However, it does not always carry the same depth of perception implied by ἐμβλέπω.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: The word ἐμβλέπω is a compound verb, with the prefix ἐν (en) intensifying the action of the base verb βλέπω (blépō). This construction emphasizes an inward or focused action, indicating that the act of looking is not casual but deliberate and thoughtful.
• Linguistic Features: The verb is used primarily in the active voice, which aligns with its meaning of taking intentional action to perceive or understand something. The construction suggests that the subject is actively engaging with the object of their gaze, rather than passively observing.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐμβλέπω as “to look directly at” or “to fix one’s gaze on,” highlighting its use in the New Testament to describe moments of significant observation, such as when Jesus looks at his disciples or when Peter looks at Jesus after his denial.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon notes that ἐμβλέπω often implies a gaze that is more than just physical sight, suggesting a deeper level of understanding or recognition, especially in spiritual or emotional contexts.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary explains that ἐμβλέπω can indicate both literal and metaphorical seeing, often used to describe instances where looking leads to insight or revelation.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides examples from classical Greek literature where ἐμβλέπω is used to describe both the physical act of looking and the mental process of understanding, reflecting its broader usage in the ancient world.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance categorizes ἐμβλέπω as meaning “to gaze” or “to look at intently,” and lists its occurrences in the New Testament where the word is often associated with moments of significant spiritual or emotional revelation.

Scripture References

• Mark 10:21 – “And Jesus, looking at him (ἐμβλέπω), loved him and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’”
• Luke 22:61 – “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter (ἐμβλέπω). And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.’”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμβλέπω (G1689: emblépō)

The Greek verb ἐμβλέπω (emblépō) is a powerful term that means “to look at intently” or “to gaze upon with understanding.” It appears in significant moments in the New Testament, particularly when Jesus or his disciples engage in acts of deep perception or spiritual recognition. The word’s construction emphasizes intentionality, suggesting that the act of looking involves both physical sight and mental or emotional engagement. Understanding ἐμβλέπω enriches our interpretation of the Bible by revealing the depth of meaning in moments where seeing leads to insight or transformation.

Did You Know?

The word ἐμβλέπω is often associated with moments of profound recognition in the New Testament. For instance, when Jesus looks at Peter after his denial, the use of ἐμβλέπω implies not just a glance but a look that carries deep emotional and spiritual weight, contributing to Peter’s subsequent repentance and restoration.