### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ἐπιβλέπω (epiblépō)**, represented by `{{G1914}}`, means to gaze at, often with a specific intent of favor, pity, or partiality. Its base definition is to **look upon, regard, have respect to**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, making each occurrence significant in illustrating a particular kind of focused attention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1914}}` highlights the nature of the gaze. In Mary's song, she proclaims that God has **regarded** the low estate of his handmaiden, signifying a look of divine favor and selection [[Luke 1:48]]. Conversely, James uses the term to condemn showing partiality, describing how an assembly might **have respect** to a wealthy person while scorning the poor [[James 2:3]]. In a third context, it is a desperate plea for help, as a father begs Jesus to **look** upon his only son who is suffering, a request for compassionate intervention [[Luke 9:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of `{{G1914}}`:
* `{{G1320}}` **didáskalos** (an instructor (genitive case or specially):--doctor, master, teacher): This title is used to address Jesus in the plea to **look** upon the afflicted son, establishing the authority and power of the one being asked [[Luke 9:38]].
* `{{G1189}}` **déomai** (to beg (as binding oneself), i.e. petition:--beseech, pray (to), make request): This word for "beseech" or "pray" is paired directly with the request for Jesus to **look** upon the son, emphasizing the urgency and desperation of the appeal [[Luke 9:38]].
* `{{G2400}}` **idoú** (behold, lo, see): This exclamation is used to draw special attention to the events in both [[Luke 1:48]] and [[Luke 9:38]], signaling the importance of God's act of **regarding** Mary and the father's cry for Jesus to **look** upon his son.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1914}}` is demonstrated in its contrasting applications.
* **Divine Favor:** The term is used to describe God's sovereign choice to direct His attention. When God **regarded** Mary, it was not a passive glance but a deliberate act of favor that initiated His redemptive plan [[Luke 1:48]].
* **Human Partiality:** The word is also used as a stark warning against judgment based on appearances. To **have respect** to someone because of their fine clothing is presented as a failure to reflect God's impartiality [[James 2:3]].
* **A Call for Mercy:** In the context of a plea, to **look** upon someone is to ask for more than observation; it is a request for active compassion and intervention from a position of authority, as when the father appeals to Jesus as **Master** [[Luke 9:38]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1914}}` is a precise term that defines a gaze with purpose. Though rare, its usage powerfully contrasts the righteous, favorable regard of God with the flawed, partial respect shown by humans. It encapsulates a profound concept: that the act of "looking upon" someone can be an expression of divine grace, a sin of partiality, or a desperate plea for merciful intervention.
TRV