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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it allows for a more profound comprehension of the original texts. The Greek word ἔσοπτρον (esoptron) is particularly significant because it refers to a “mirror” or “looking-glass.” This term appears in the New Testament, specifically in 1 Corinthians 13:12, to illustrate the concept of seeing things indirectly or imperfectly, compared to the clear vision that will come in the future. Understanding ἔσοπτρον helps in interpreting metaphors related to spiritual insight, self-reflection, and revelation in both the Biblical and ancient Greek cultural contexts.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἔσοπτρον (esoptron) [EH-sop-tron]
- Etymology: Derived from ἐσοράω (esoraō), meaning “to look at” or “to behold,” combined with the suffix -τρον (-tron), which denotes an instrument or tool.
- Part of Speech: Noun (neuter); second declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Mirror: A surface, typically of polished metal or glass, that reflects an image.
- Looking-glass: An ancient term for a mirror, used to describe an object used for reflection.
Similar Words: κάτοπτρον (katoptron) [KA-toh-tron] is another Greek word for “mirror.” While ἔσοπτρον (esoptron) emphasizes the act of looking or beholding, κάτοπτρον (katoptron) often focuses on the surface used for reflecting or viewing oneself.
Further Insights: ἔσοπτρον (esoptron) is a second declension neuter noun in Greek. Below is the full declension chart for ἔσοπτρον:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἔσοπτρον | ἔσοπτρα |
| Genitive | ἐσόπτρου | ἐσόπτρων |
| Dative | ἐσόπτρῳ | ἐσόπτροις |
| Accusative | ἔσοπτρον | ἔσοπτρα |
| Vocative | ἔσοπτρον | ἔσοπτρα |
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἔσοπτρον is defined as a “mirror” or “looking-glass.” BDAG highlights its metaphorical use in 1 Corinthians 13:12, where Paul speaks of seeing “through a mirror dimly” to express the partial knowledge and understanding humans have in their present state.
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Thayer’s: Lists ἔσοπτρον as a “mirror,” emphasizing its use in ancient times as a polished metal object rather than a modern glass mirror. Thayer’s elaborates on the metaphorical significance of mirrors in Biblical contexts, where they are often used to describe indirect or unclear perceptions.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on ἔσοπτρον as “a mirror,” noting its cultural and metaphorical implications in the New Testament. Vine’s mentions that in ancient Greek and Jewish thought, mirrors were often used to represent self-reflection, spiritual examination, and the limits of human knowledge.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἔσοπτρον as “a mirror” or “looking-glass,” commonly used in Greek literature to denote a reflective surface made from polished metal. LSJ provides examples from classical texts where mirrors were used both practically and symbolically.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἔσοπτρον as “a mirror,” highlighting its occurrence in 1 Corinthians 13:12 and its relevance in discussing spiritual maturity and the ultimate clarity of divine knowledge that believers will experience in the future.
Related Scripture References
- 1 Corinthians 13:12: “For now we see through a glass [ἔσοπτρον], darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
This verse uses ἔσοπτρον to describe the current state of limited understanding compared to the future, when believers will have complete and clear knowledge.
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Alcibiades I | “The soul must see itself as in a mirror (ἔσοπτρον) to gain knowledge of itself.” |
| Aristotle | De Anima | “Just as in a mirror (ἔσοπτρον), one can see a reflection of the soul’s faculties.” |
| Plutarch | Moralia | “A good man’s life is a mirror (ἔσοπτρον) reflecting the virtues of his character.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus | Book of Exodus | “And he made the laver of brass, and the base of it of brass, of the mirrors (ἔσοπτρα) of the serving women.” |
| Wisdom of Solomon | Book of Wisdom | “For the image of God is reflected as in a mirror (ἔσοπτρον) of His works.” |
| Sirach | Book of Sirach | “The mind of a fool is like a broken mirror (ἔσοπτρον) which shows nothing clearly.” |
Summary of ἔσοπτρον (G2072)
In summary, ἔσοπτρον (esoptron) is a Greek noun meaning “mirror” or “looking-glass.” It is used in the New Testament, specifically in 1 Corinthians 13:12, to convey the idea of partial or indirect understanding compared to the complete clarity that will come in the future. The term also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where mirrors are often employed as metaphors for self-reflection, spiritual examination, or the limits of human knowledge. Understanding ἔσοπτρον provides valuable insights into ancient perspectives on perception, knowledge, and self-awareness.
Did You Know?
Did you know that in ancient Greece, mirrors were often made from polished bronze, copper, or silver rather than glass? These mirrors would produce a somewhat unclear reflection, which is why the Apostle Paul used ἔσοπτρον to illustrate the concept of partial understanding in this life compared to the clear knowledge to be gained in the hereafter. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of seeking deeper spiritual insight while recognizing the limitations of earthly perception.
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