from διά and βλέπω; to look through, i.e. recover full vision:--see clearly.
Transliteration:diablépō
Pronunciation:dee-ab-lep'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαβλέπω (diablépō, `{{G1227}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verb βλέπω (blepō, `{{G991}}`), meaning "to see" or "to look." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "to look through," "to see thoroughly," or "to discern clearly." The base definition provided further refines this, indicating a recovery of full vision, implying a prior state of impaired or obscured sight. Thus, the semantic range of διαβλέπω extends beyond mere seeing to encompass the *restoration* or *acquisition* of clear, unimpeded vision, whether literally or figuratively. It signifies a transition from a state of partial or no sight to one of complete and accurate perception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διαβλέπω appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a profound insight into its meaning:
1. **[[Mark 8:25]]**: In the account of Jesus healing a blind man in Bethsaida, after the first touch, the man sees people "like trees walking." Jesus then touches his eyes a second time, and the text states, "Then he looked up and was restored, and διαβλέπω (saw everything clearly)." Here, διαβλέπω describes the *complete* and *perfect* restoration of physical sight. The two-stage healing is unique in the Gospels and highlights the progressive nature of the man's healing, culminating in absolute clarity. It emphasizes that Jesus' power brings about not just partial improvement, but full and perfect restoration.
2. **[[Luke 6:42]]**: Within Jesus' discourse on hypocrisy and judging others, He asks, "How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not διαβλέπω (see clearly) the plank that is in your own eye?" In this context, διαβλέπω is used metaphorically. It refers not to physical sight but to spiritual and moral discernment. The inability to διαββλέπω signifies a profound lack of self-awareness and spiritual blindness regarding one's own faults, which ironically hinders one's ability to genuinely help others. This passage underscores the necessity of clear self-perception before attempting to correct others.
These two occurrences showcase the dual application of διαβλέπω: a literal, physical restoration of sight in Mark, and a metaphorical, spiritual restoration of discernment in Luke. Both instances underscore a movement from obscurity or impairment to clarity and full perception.
### Related Words & Concepts
διαβλέπω is closely related to several other Greek terms pertaining to sight and perception:
* βλέπω (blepō, `{{G991}}`): The root verb, meaning "to see" or "to look." διαβλέπω intensifies this, adding the nuance of "seeing through" or "seeing clearly."
* ὁράω (horaō, `{{G3708}}`): Another common verb for seeing, often implying mental perception or understanding. While βλέπω focuses on the physical act of seeing, ὁράω can encompass deeper insight.
* ἀναβλέπω (anablepō, `{{G308}}`): Meaning "to look up" or "to regain sight." This term is frequently used for the regaining of physical sight (e.g., Bartimaeus in [[Mark 10:51-52]]; Paul in [[Acts 9:18]]). While ἀναβλέπω emphasizes the *recovery* of sight, διαβλέπω specifically highlights the *clarity* and *completeness* of that regained vision.
* τυφλός (typhlos, `{{G5185}}`): "Blind," representing the state from which διαβλέπω provides liberation.
* Concepts: The word connects to broader biblical themes such as spiritual discernment, self-examination, hypocrisy, divine healing, restoration, and the contrast between light and darkness, truth and deception.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διαβλέπω is profound, touching upon both God's power and humanity's spiritual condition.
In the context of physical healing ([[Mark 8:25]]), διαβλέπω powerfully illustrates Jesus' divine authority over physical infirmity. The complete restoration of sight signifies not just a partial improvement but a perfect, holistic healing, pointing to Jesus as the one who brings creation back to its intended perfection. The two-stage healing may also serve as a parable for spiritual understanding, suggesting that sometimes spiritual insight comes progressively, requiring persistent faith and divine intervention to reach full clarity.
Metaphorically ([[Luke 6:42]]), διαβλέπω highlights the critical importance of spiritual self-awareness and clear moral vision. The inability to "see clearly" one's own spiritual "plank" is presented as a significant impediment to genuine discipleship and righteous living. It underscores the danger of spiritual blindness, particularly when it leads to hypocritical judgment of others. True spiritual discernment, as implied by διαβλέπω, begins with an honest and clear assessment of one's own heart and actions before God. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on inner purity as a prerequisite for outward righteousness.
Ultimately, διαβλέπω speaks to God's desire for humanity to "see" truly—to perceive His truth, understand their own condition, and discern His will with divine clarity. It represents a transformation from obscurity to clarity, from spiritual blindness to profound insight, a work that only God can fully accomplish in human hearts.
### Summary
διαβλέπω (diablépō, `{{G1227}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to see clearly" or "to recover full vision," emphasizing a transition from impaired sight to complete perception. Its rare but significant occurrences in the New Testament illustrate both literal and metaphorical dimensions. In [[Mark 8:25]], it describes the perfect restoration of physical sight by Jesus, showcasing His complete power to heal. In [[Luke 6:42]], it metaphorically calls for clear spiritual self-discernment, warning against the hypocrisy of judging others while remaining blind to one's own faults. Theologically, διαβλέπω underscores Jesus' ability to bring about holistic restoration and highlights the vital need for spiritual clarity and self-awareness in the life of faith, urging believers to seek God's illumination to "see through" spiritual impediments and perceive truth with divine precision.
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