from ἐν and βλέπω; to look on, i.e. (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly:--behold, gaze up, look upon, (could) see.
Transliteration:emblépō
Pronunciation:em-blep'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb emblépō (ἐμβλέπω), Strong's number `{{G1689}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition en (ἐν), meaning "in" or "into," and the verb blepō (βλέπω), meaning "to see" or "to look." This etymology is crucial for understanding its core meaning. The prefix en- intensifies or directs the action of seeing, suggesting a looking *into* something or someone, rather than a superficial glance.
The semantic range of emblépō thus encompasses:
1. **To look fixedly upon:** This denotes a sustained, unwavering gaze, indicating deep attention or concentration. It is not a fleeting glance but a deliberate act of observation.
2. **To discern clearly:** Beyond mere physical sight, emblépō often implies a perception that leads to understanding or insight. It suggests a mental or spiritual apprehension, seeing beyond the surface to grasp the essence or inner reality of what is being observed.
The base definition provides "behold, gaze up, look upon, (could) see," encapsulating both the physical intensity and the resultant clarity of perception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Emblépō appears 12 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels and Acts. Its usage consistently highlights a deliberate, often intense, and significant look.
1. **Jesus' Penetrating Gaze:**
* In [[Mark 10:21]], "Jesus, *looking at him* (ἐμβλέψας αὐτῷ), loved him." This is a profound instance where Jesus' gaze is not just observational but deeply empathetic and discerning, revealing His divine love and insight into the rich young man's heart.
* Similarly, in [[Matthew 19:26]], after the rich young man departs, Jesus *looks at* (ἐμβλέψας) his disciples before speaking about the difficulty of salvation for the wealthy, signifying a direct and weighty address.
* Perhaps most powerfully, in [[Luke 22:61]], after Peter's third denial, "the Lord turned and *looked at* (ἐνέβλεψεν) Peter." This silent, yet piercing, gaze from Jesus to Peter is a moment of profound conviction, leading directly to Peter's bitter weeping and repentance. It is a look that conveys full knowledge, sorrow, and perhaps disappointment, but ultimately prompts contrition.
2. **Restoration of Sight and Clear Perception:**
* In the account of the blind man's healing in [[Mark 8:25]], after Jesus' second touch, the man "looked intently (ἐνέβλεψεν) and was restored, and began to see everything clearly." Here, emblépō describes the complete and precise restoration of vision, emphasizing the clarity and full scope of his regained sight. This can be seen as an allegory for spiritual clarity as well.
* While anablépō (to regain sight) is more common for physical healing of blindness, emblépō can describe the *result* of that healing—the ability to see with full discernment.
3. **Purposeful Observation:**
* In [[Acts 3:4]], Peter and John, before healing the lame man, "Peter *looked intently at him* (ἀτενίσας δὲ Πέτρος σὺν Ἰωάννῃ εἰς αὐτὸν εἶπεν, Βλέψον εἰς ἡμᾶς)." While atenizō is used for the initial intense gaze, the subsequent command blepō leads to an expectation of focused attention, aligning with the nuance of emblépō.
* In [[Acts 9:18]], following Ananias's prayer for Saul, "immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he *regained his sight* (ἀνέβλεψεν)." While anablépō is used here, the context of Saul's prior blindness and the subsequent ability to "see" (which emblépō describes as clear perception) is significant.
The consistent thread through these occurrences is that emblépō signifies a gaze that is more than superficial, often leading to a significant outcome, whether it be healing, conviction, or a deeper understanding. It is an active, rather than passive, form of seeing.
### Related Words & Concepts
Emblépō is part of a rich semantic field of Greek words for "seeing," each with distinct nuances.
* **Blepō (βλέπω) `{{G991}}`:** The root verb, meaning "to see," "to look," "to perceive." It is the general term for physical sight or mental perception. Emblépō is a more specific and intense form of blepō, adding the dimension of "into" or "fixedly."
* **Horáō (ὁράω) `{{G3708}}`:** "To see," often implying a visual perception or an experience of seeing, sometimes with an emphasis on the result of seeing (e.g., "to appear" or "to understand"). While horáō focuses on the *act* of seeing or the *resultant perception*, emblépō emphasizes the *manner* of looking—with focus and intensity.
* **Theáomai (θεάομαι) `{{G2300}}`:** "To behold," "to gaze upon," often implying a wondering, contemplative, or admiring gaze, as one would view a spectacle. It shares with emblépō the idea of sustained looking, but emblépō often carries more of an active, penetrating, and purposeful quality, rather than passive observation.
* **Atenízō (ἀτενίζω) `{{G816}}`:** "To gaze intently," "to fix one's eyes upon." This word is very close in meaning to emblépō in its "fixedly" sense and is often used in similar contexts of intense observation, particularly in Acts (e.g., [[Acts 1:10]], [[Acts 3:4]]). While atenízō emphasizes the unwavering nature of the gaze, emblépō can also imply the *direction* or *penetrating* quality of the look.
* **Anablépō (ἀναβλέπω) `{{G308}}`:** "To look up," or "to regain sight." This word is also compounded with blepō but with ana- ("up" or "again"). It is frequently used for looking heavenward in prayer or for the miraculous restoration of vision. While distinct, it shares the root and the concept of directed sight.
Emblépō distinguishes itself by combining the idea of sustained attention with a sense of looking *into* something, often leading to a deeper apprehension or a significant consequence.
### Theological Significance
The uses of emblépō in the New Testament carry profound theological significance, particularly in the interactions involving Jesus Christ.
1. **Divine Knowledge and Compassion:** When Jesus emblépōs an individual, as with the rich young man in [[Mark 10:21]], it signifies not merely visual recognition but a profound, divine understanding of the person's inner state, motivations, and spiritual condition. This "looking into" is often imbued with love and compassion, even when it exposes human shortcomings. It underscores Christ's omniscient perception and His deep empathy for humanity.
2. **Conviction and Call to Repentance:** The Lord's emblépō at Peter in [[Luke 22:61]] is a powerful theological moment. It represents the silent yet eloquent communication of divine truth and sorrow, piercing Peter's conscience and leading to his immediate and bitter repentance. This highlights the transformative power of being "seen" by Christ—a gaze that confronts sin, yet also offers grace for restoration.
3. **Spiritual Discernment and Authority:** Jesus' use of emblépō can also denote His spiritual authority and discerning power. His penetrating gaze reveals not only human hearts but also the spiritual realities at play, as when He looks at the fig tree (implied in [[Mark 11:13]] before its withering in [[Matthew 21:20]]). This underscores His unique ability to perceive and act decisively based on spiritual truth.
4. **Fullness of Healing and Spiritual Clarity:** In the context of physical healing, especially the restoration of sight ([[Mark 8:25]]), emblépō signifies the complete and perfect restoration of vision, not just physical ability but clear, unhindered perception. Theologically, this can be extended to spiritual healing, where Christ's touch brings about a full and clear spiritual discernment, enabling one to "see" God's truth.
5. **Receptive Posture Towards the Divine:** While primarily used of Jesus' gaze, when others emblépō (e.g., disciples looking at Jesus), it signifies their focused attention on the divine, a receptive posture necessary for understanding revelation or receiving instruction.
In essence, emblépō describes a gaze that is never passive but always active, penetrating, and laden with meaning, revealing character, prompting response, or initiating transformation. It underscores the profound nature of divine observation and interaction within the biblical narrative.
### Summary
The Greek verb emblépō (ἐμβλέπω) `{{G1689}}` signifies a focused, intense, and often penetrating gaze, moving beyond mere observation to imply clear discernment or deep understanding. Formed from en (in/into) and blepō (to see), it denotes looking *into* something or someone with purpose. In the New Testament, its occurrences are highly significant, particularly in interactions involving Jesus. When Jesus emblépōs, it reveals His divine insight, love, and power to convict or transform, as powerfully illustrated in His gaze upon the rich young man ([[Mark 10:21]]), the restored blind man ([[Mark 8:25]]), and the repentant Peter ([[Luke 22:61]]). This word consistently points to a gaze that is purposeful, impactful, and laden with theological meaning, often revealing the heart of the one looked upon or the profound nature of the one who looks. It emphasizes both the physical act of looking fixedly and the deeper, often spiritual, apprehension that results from such a gaze.
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