G5326
φάντασμα
(properly concrete) a (mere) show ("phantasm"), i.e. spectre
Transliteration
phántasmaPronunciation
(fan'-tas-mah)Everything you need to know.
of Completion
This certifies that
Is on track to complete the Bible for the 1st time in 240 days.
Paul's Handkerchief is Bible study with a difference — going word-by-word through Scripture to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery that modern translations often leave behind.
Only about 3% of people around the world who start the Bible ever finish it. The 3% Club is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement.
Bible Cafe isn't just Bible study — it's a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. It combines the original Coffee with Jesus experience with activities like quizzes, crosswords, journaling and more, all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.
Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G Bible Project exists to change that — three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Bible, and F.O.G Jr. for younger readers), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance restoring the depths most translations leave behind. It is Jean Paul's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.
Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars — because the church was Jewish before it was anything else, and those roots change everything about how you read Scripture.
Simply create an account and choose your preferred Bible and reading style. The app will track your progress and help keep you accountable to the rhythm of daily Scripture engagement.
(properly concrete) a (mere) show ("phantasm"), i.e. spectre
φάντασμα(phántasma)
Strong’s Definition
(properly concrete) a (mere) show ("phantasm"), i.e. spectre
from G5324 (φαντάζω);
“And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
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.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
Combined to mean "an appearance" or "apparition"
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a derived noun
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
Morphological features as a noun:
Examples of declension:
Send a Gift
This website is 100% donor-funded. Your generosity allows someone else to access this content for free.
Give a gift of $100 to sponsor a verse or page of your choice.
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?
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