### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ἰδού (idoú, `{{G2400}}`) is a Greek interjection derived from the second person singular imperative middle voice of εἴδω (eidō, `{{G1492}}`), meaning "to see" or "to perceive." As an imperative particle, its most common translations are "behold," "lo," or "see." Its fundamental purpose is to arrest the listener's attention, directing their focus to what is about to be said or to what is immediately present. It functions as a verbal pointer, signaling that what follows is significant, new, surprising, or imminent. The particle can introduce a direct quotation, a dramatic turn in the narrative, a divine pronouncement, or a crucial observation. Its semantic range thus encompasses attention-calling, emphasis, demonstration, anticipation, and revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἰδού occurs extensively in the New Testament, often serving as the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew הִנֵּה (hinneh, `{{H2009}}`) found in the Septuagint. Its usage reveals several key contextual functions:
* **Introducing Divine Messages or Appearances:** Frequently, ἰδού precedes the words of angels or divine figures, underscoring the gravity and truthfulness of the message. For example, the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary: "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son..." [[Luke 1:31]]. Similarly, the angel's proclamation to the shepherds: "Behold, I bring you good news of great joy..." [[Luke 2:10]].
* **Highlighting Significant Events or Individuals:** It draws attention to pivotal moments or the arrival of key figures, particularly Jesus. "Behold, your King is coming to you..." [[Matthew 21:5]]. When a significant person approaches Jesus: "Behold, a man came up to him..." [[Matthew 19:16]].
* **Signaling a Surprising or Unexpected Reality:** ἰδού can introduce a truth that challenges conventional understanding or reveals a deeper reality. Jesus' statement, "Behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you" [[Luke 17:21]], uses ἰδού to emphasize the present, internal nature of the kingdom.
* **Emphasizing Warnings or Consequences:** In prophetic or admonitory contexts, ἰδού can heighten the urgency or certainty of an impending judgment or action. "Behold, I am coming like a thief!" [[Revelation 16:15]]. Jesus' warning to the healed man: "Behold, you are well! Do not sin anymore." [[John 5:14]].
* **In Prophetic and Eschatological Declarations:** It frequently marks the beginning of revelations concerning future events or God's ultimate plan. "Behold, I am making all things new." [[Revelation 21:5]]. John the Baptist's declaration: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" [[John 1:29]].
* **As an Invitation or Direct Address:** It can serve as a direct call to attention and a prelude to an invitation or command. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." [[Revelation 3:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εἴδω (eidō, `{{G1492}}`):** The root verb from which ἰδού is derived. εἴδω means "to see," "to perceive," or "to know," often implying mental or spiritual apprehension beyond mere physical sight. ἰδού is its imperative form, literally meaning "see!" or "look!"
* **βλέπω (blepō, `{{G991}}`):** Another common Greek verb for "to see," often referring to physical sight, observation, or taking heed. While related in the act of seeing, ἰδού functions as an interjection to *direct* attention, whereas βλέπω describes the *act* of seeing.
* **ὁράω (horaō, `{{G3708}}`):** A third significant verb for "to see," which can encompass physical sight but often carries the nuance of seeing with understanding, experiencing a vision, or perceiving with the mind.
* **Hebrew הִנֵּה (hinneh, `{{H2009}}`):** This is the direct Old Testament Hebrew counterpart to ἰδού. Both particles serve to call attention to what is about to be revealed or to an imminent event. The pervasive use of ἰδού in the New Testament, reflecting the Septuagint's translation of הִנֵּה, highlights its Semitic rhetorical force within the Greek text.
* **Attention-calling particles:** ἰδού belongs to a category of linguistic devices designed to arrest the listener's focus, preparing them for a significant disclosure, a new development, or a crucial command.
### Theological Significance
The consistent deployment of ἰδού in the New Testament carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Initiative and Revelation:** The frequent association of ἰδού with angelic announcements and divine pronouncements underscores God's active, sovereign initiative in revealing His will and intervening in human history. It signals that God is speaking or acting, demanding human attention to His self-disclosure.
* **The Imminence of God's Kingdom and Action:** ἰδού often points to the immediate presence or impending arrival of God's kingdom, the Messiah, or the fulfillment of prophecy. It instills a sense of urgency and expectation, emphasizing that God's redemptive plan is unfolding in real time.
* **Call to Attention and Response:** By commanding the listener to "behold," ἰδού is not merely an observation; it is an implicit call for recognition, belief, and a corresponding response. It invites the hearer to engage deeply with the reality being presented, whether it be a Person, a truth, or an impending event.
* **Emphasis on the Unexpected and New:** Many instances of ἰδού introduce something surprising, miraculous, or unprecedented. This highlights God's power to transcend human expectations, to perform new acts of creation, and to intervene in ways that defy conventional understanding.
* **Christological Significance:** When applied to Jesus (e.g., "Behold, your King," "Behold, the Lamb of God"), ἰδού serves to draw profound attention to His unique identity, His divine mission, and the unparalleled significance of His redemptive work. It calls for a recognition of Christ as central to God's plan of salvation.
* **Eschatological Foresight:** In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, ἰδού frequently introduces visions of the future, reminding believers of God's sovereign control over history, the certainty of His promises, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek interjection ἰδού (idoú, `{{G2400}}`), derived from εἴδω (eidō, `{{G1492}}`), functions as a powerful attention-grabbing particle, consistently translated as "behold," "lo," or "see." Its primary purpose is to draw immediate and emphatic notice to what follows, signaling something significant, new, surprising, or imminent. Throughout the New Testament, ἰδού frequently introduces divine revelations, pivotal events, prophetic declarations, and urgent calls to attention, mirroring the Hebrew הִנֵּה (hinneh, `{{H2009}}`). Theologically, its consistent use underscores God's active initiative in revelation, the imminence of His kingdom and actions, and a divine call for human recognition and response. It highlights the profound importance and often unexpected nature of God's presence and work, particularly in relation to Jesus Christ and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
TRV