### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eîdos**, represented by `{{G1491}}`, refers to a view or form, both in a literal and figurative sense. Its meanings include appearance, fashion, shape, and sight. According to usage statistics, it appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating a specific but significant role in conveying concepts of form and perception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G1491}}` describes both tangible and abstract forms. It is used to describe the "bodily **shape**" in which the Holy Ghost descended upon Jesus, which was like a dove [[Luke 3:22]]. It also refers to the altered **fashion** of Jesus' countenance during His prayer [[Luke 9:29]]. In a contrasting spiritual context, it is used to explain that believers walk by faith, not by **sight** [[2 Corinthians 5:7]]. Furthermore, it is used to state that humanity has never seen the Father's **shape** [[John 5:37]], and to command believers to abstain from every **appearance** of evil [[1 Thessalonians 5:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G1491}}` is used:
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): Defined as persuasion, moral conviction, or reliance upon Christ, this word is set in direct opposition to **sight** `{{G1491}}` in the believer's walk [[2 Corinthians 5:7]]. Salvation itself is received through **faith** [[Ephesians 2:8]].
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (spirit): This word refers to a spirit, including the Holy **Spirit**. It is the **Spirit** `{{G4151}}` that descended in a bodily **shape** `{{G1491}}` at Jesus' baptism [[Luke 3:22]].
* `{{G4383}}` **prósōpon** (countenance): Meaning the face, aspect, or appearance, this word is used in conjunction with `{{G1491}}` to describe the change in the **fashion** of Jesus' **countenance** [[Luke 9:29]].
* `{{G5456}}` **phōnḗ** (voice): Often used in parallel with sight, this word refers to a sound or address. It is used to state that people have neither heard the Father's **voice** nor seen His **shape** `{{G1491}}` at any time [[John 5:37]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1491}}` is tied to themes of divine revelation and Christian conduct.
* **Divine Manifestation:** The word addresses how the divine is perceived. While the Father's **shape** remains unseen [[John 5:37]], the Holy **Ghost** `{{G4151}}` took on a visible **shape** [[Luke 3:22]], and Christ's divine nature was made visible in the changing **fashion** of His countenance [[Luke 9:29]].
* **Spiritual vs. Physical Perception:** A core tenet of the Christian life is established by contrasting faith with **sight** `{{G1491}}`. This highlights that a believer's reality and conduct are governed by spiritual conviction, not just physical evidence [[2 Corinthians 5:7]].
* **Moral Discernment:** The term is applied ethically, instructing believers to **abstain** `{{G567}}` from every **appearance** of **evil** `{{G4190}}`. This broadens the concept of holiness to include avoiding things that have the outward form or semblance of evil, regardless of intent [[1 Thessalonians 5:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1491}}` is a precise word that defines outward form, whether it is a perceptible divine **shape** [[Luke 3:22]], the **fashion** of a person's countenance [[Luke 9:29]], or the figurative **appearance** of evil [[1 Thessalonians 5:22]]. Its most crucial theological role is in distinguishing the spiritual walk of **faith** from the physical limitation of **sight** [[2 Corinthians 5:7]], thereby framing a foundational aspect of the Christian experience.
TRV