second person singular imperative active of εἴδω; used as an interjection to denote surprise; lo!:--behold, lo, see.
Transliteration:íde
Pronunciation:id'-eh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἴδε (íde), transliterated as *íde*, is the second person singular imperative active form of the verb εἴδω (eidō) `{{G1492}}`, which fundamentally means "to see," "to perceive," or "to know." As an imperative, ἴδε functions as a direct command or exhortation: "See!", "Look!", "Behold!" Beyond a simple directive to observe, its usage often carries the nuance of an interjection, drawing immediate and emphatic attention to something significant, surprising, or revelatory. Its semantic range thus encompasses a forceful call to notice, to consider, or to acknowledge. It signals the introduction of new information, a crucial person, or a pivotal moment, urging the recipient to a heightened state of awareness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἴδε appears frequently in the New Testament, primarily serving to direct the listener's or reader's attention to what follows. Its contextual application reveals several key functions:
* **Introducing a Person of Significance:** ἴδε is often used to point out an individual, especially one of profound importance. A quintessential example is John the Baptist's declaration upon seeing Jesus: "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" [[John 1:29]]. Here, ἴδε compels attention to Jesus' identity and redemptive mission. Similarly, Pilate's poignant and ironic presentation of Christ, "So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, 'Behold the man!'" [[John 19:5]], uses ἴδε to underscore Jesus' humanity amidst His suffering.
* **Announcing a Significant Event or Truth:** The word can precede a pivotal declaration, a new development, or a divinely orchestrated event. In the angelic announcement to the shepherds, ἴδε introduces the *euangelion*: "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" [[Luke 2:10]]. It also highlights remarkable occurrences, such as the star guiding the Magi: "And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them..." [[Matthew 2:9]].
* **Emphatic Instruction or Warning:** Occasionally, ἴδε serves to emphasize a warning or a crucial instruction, calling for immediate discernment. Jesus uses it in His eschatological discourse: "So, if people tell you, 'Behold, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out..." [[Matthew 24:26]].
* **Introducing Revelation or Vision:** Particularly in apocalyptic literature, ἴδε frequently signals the commencement of a vision or the revelation of a future reality. John's vision in Revelation often begins with this imperative: "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him..." [[Revelation 1:7]]; and "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man...'" [[Revelation 21:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and function of ἴδε are illuminated by its relationship to several other Greek and Hebrew terms:
* **εἴδω (eidō) `{{G1492}}`:** As its root verb, understanding εἴδω's broader semantic range—encompassing physical sight, mental perception, and spiritual understanding—enriches the imperative ἴδε as a command not just to physically look, but to perceive deeply and meaningfully.
* **ἰδού (idou) `{{G2400}}`:** This is the neuter form of the same imperative, often translated identically as "behold" or "lo." While ἴδε is singular, ἰδού is generally used more broadly as a general interjection. There is significant functional and semantic overlap between ἴδε and ἰδού in the New Testament, with ἰδού being considerably more frequent.
* **βλέπω (blepō) `{{G991}}`:** Another common Greek verb for "to see," βλέπω often implies a more active, intentional looking, observing, or taking heed. While ἴδε is a command to *look*, βλέπω describes the *act* of looking or perceiving.
* **ὁράω (horaō) `{{G3708}}`:** Similar to εἴδω, ὁράω is used for seeing with the eyes, but also frequently for spiritual vision, understanding, or experiencing.
* **הִנֵּה (hinneh) `{{H2009}}`:** In the Hebrew Bible, the particle הִנֵּה serves a strikingly similar function to ἴδε and ἰδού. It is an attention-getting particle, often translated as "behold" or "lo," drawing immediate focus to what follows. The Septuagint frequently translates הִנֵּה with ἰδού or ἴδε, highlighting a strong conceptual and functional parallel across the Testaments.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἴδε is profound, rooted in its function as a divine attention-grabber:
* **Divine Revelation and Action:** The frequent use of ἴδε in passages describing angelic announcements, prophetic declarations, and apocalyptic visions underscores its role in drawing attention to God's direct intervention, communication, and unfolding plan. It signals that God is about to speak, act, or reveal something of paramount importance, compelling humanity to take notice of His work in history.
* **Christological Emphasis:** ἴδε plays a crucial role in presenting the person and work of Jesus Christ. "Behold, the Lamb of God" [[John 1:29]] and "Behold the man!" [[John 19:5]] are not mere observations but invitations, even commands, to confront the identity, mission, and suffering of the Messiah. It is a call to acknowledge who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for humanity.
* **Urgency and Immediacy:** As an imperative, ἴδε inherently conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy. It is not a casual invitation but a command to pay immediate and focused attention, suggesting the critical nature of the moment or the message being conveyed. This urgency often calls for a response of faith or obedience.
* **Invitation to Faith and Recognition:** By compelling one to "behold," ἴδε acts as an invitation to engage deeply with the truth presented. To "behold" Christ is to recognize Him for who He is, and such recognition is often a precursor to belief, worship, and spiritual transformation. It challenges the hearer to move beyond superficial observation to a profound spiritual understanding.
* **Eschatological Hope:** In eschatological contexts, ἴδε directs the gaze of believers towards the future realities of God's kingdom, the return of Christ, and the new heavens and new earth. It offers a powerful affirmation of divine promises and a source of enduring hope, encouraging believers to anticipate God's ultimate triumph.
### Summary
The Greek word ἴδε (íde), the second person singular imperative of εἴδω (eidō) `{{G1492}}`, functions as an emphatic interjection meaning "behold," "lo," or "see." It serves as a direct command to immediate and focused attention, signaling the introduction of a person, event, or truth of profound significance. Throughout the New Testament, ἴδε is strategically employed to highlight divine revelation, underscore the identity and work of Jesus Christ, convey urgency in prophetic announcements, and direct the reader's gaze towards pivotal theological realities. Its usage compels not just observation but often a deeper spiritual engagement, recognition, and response. It is closely related to ἰδού `{{G2400}}` and parallels the Hebrew הִנֵּה `{{H2009}}`, all functioning to arrest attention and convey profound meaning within the biblical narrative.
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