assumed by some as the base of certain irregular forms of εἴδω; to know:--know.
Transliteration:ísēmi
Pronunciation:is'-ay-mee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma ἴσημι (G2467) is a unique entry in New Testament lexicography, primarily because it is not directly attested as an independent verb form within the New Testament corpus. Instead, it is posited by many scholars and lexicographers as the ancient, theoretical root or base from which certain irregular forms of the much more common verb εἴδω (G1492) are derived. Therefore, its core meaning and semantic range are inextricably linked to those of εἴδω.
The verb εἴδω encompasses a broad semantic field, primarily signifying "to know" and "to see." When ἴσημι is considered its root, it implies an original sense of perception or apprehension.
1. **To Know:** This aspect of the meaning refers to intellectual apprehension, understanding, or experiential knowledge. It can denote a deep, intuitive grasp of truth, a recognition of facts, or an awareness gained through experience. Unlike γινώσκω (G1097), which often implies a progressive or experiential knowing, εἴδω (and thus its presumed root ἴσημι) can suggest a more immediate, intuitive, or inherent knowledge.
2. **To See:** This refers to both physical sight and mental perception. It can mean to perceive with the eyes, to behold, or to observe. Metaphorically, it extends to mental or spiritual insight, understanding, or discernment. The act of "seeing" often leads directly to "knowing."
Thus, ἴσημι, as the etymological foundation for εἴδω, carries the fundamental sense of perceiving, apprehending, and consequently, knowing, whether through sensory input or intellectual/spiritual insight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As noted, ἴσημι (G2467) itself does not appear as a standalone verb in the New Testament. Its significance lies entirely in its proposed role as the ancient etymological root for various forms of εἴδω (G1492), which is one of the most frequently used verbs in the Greek New Testament. Therefore, to understand the "biblical occurrences" of the concept rooted in ἴσημι, one must examine the usage of εἴδω.
The forms derived from this assumed root (i.e., forms of εἴδω) are employed in diverse contexts, reflecting the dual sense of "seeing" and "knowing":
* **Physical Sight:** εἴδω is frequently used for literal seeing, such as when the wise men "saw" the star ([[Matthew 2:10]]) or when Jesus "saw" Nathanael coming ([[John 1:47]]).
* **Mental Perception/Understanding:** Beyond physical sight, εἴδω often denotes comprehension or understanding. For instance, Jesus tells Peter, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand" ([[John 13:7]]), using a form of εἴδω. Similarly, Paul speaks of those who "do not understand" the things of the Spirit of God ([[1 Corinthians 2:14]]).
* **Experiential Knowledge/Awareness:** The verb can convey an awareness or knowledge gained through experience or revelation. When Jesus says, "I know where I came from and where I am going" ([[John 8:14]]), a form of εἴδω is used, indicating an inherent, deep knowledge. The disciples "knew" that Jesus was the Lord ([[John 21:12]]).
* **Spiritual Discernment:** In a theological sense, εἴδω often refers to the spiritual insight granted by God, enabling believers to perceive divine truths or recognize spiritual realities that are otherwise hidden. This is crucial in understanding the contrast between spiritual blindness and spiritual understanding.
Thus, while ἴσημι is not present overtly, its conceptual contribution through εἴδω permeates the New Testament, shaping how perception, understanding, and knowledge are articulated.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most direct related word to ἴσημι (G2467) is εἴδω (G1492), the verb whose forms it is believed to underpin. Understanding εἴδω is key to grasping the conceptual contribution of ἴσημι.
Other related words in the New Testament that express various facets of "knowing" or "seeing" include:
* **γινώσκω (G1097):** This verb also means "to know," often implying an experiential, progressive, or relational knowledge. While εἴδω can suggest an immediate apprehension, γινώσκω frequently points to a knowing that develops over time, through personal encounter or learning. For example, "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" ([[John 17:3]]).
* **ἐπίγνωσις (G1922):** A noun meaning "knowledge," often denoting a full, precise, or accurate knowledge, a deeper understanding or recognition.
* **συνίημι (G4920):** To understand, comprehend, or grasp the meaning of something, often implying putting ideas together.
* **βλέπω (G991):** To see, look, perceive, often focusing on the act of seeing with the physical eye, but also extended to mental perception.
* **ὁράω (G3708):** To see, perceive, behold, often with an emphasis on the vision itself or the experience of seeing, sometimes implying a supernatural or revelatory seeing.
The concepts interwoven with ἴσημι (through εἴδω) include knowledge, understanding, perception, insight, spiritual discernment, and revelation. The interplay between these terms enriches the New Testament's discourse on how humans come to apprehend truth, both natural and divine.
### Theological Significance
Though an etymological root rather than a direct biblical word, ἴσημι (G2467) carries profound theological significance through its foundational relationship with εἴδω (G1492). The concepts of "knowing" and "seeing" are central to biblical theology.
1. **Divine Knowledge and Omniscience:** God is consistently portrayed as the One who "knows" all things, both exhaustively and perfectly. This divine knowledge, often expressed through forms of εἴδω, underpins His sovereignty and justice. He "sees" all human actions and "knows" the innermost thoughts and intentions. This provides comfort to the righteous and warning to the unrighteous.
2. **Christ's Knowledge:** Jesus, as God incarnate, frequently demonstrates an inherent, supernatural knowledge (εἴδω) of people's thoughts, pasts, and futures ([[John 2:24-25]], [[John 4:17-18]], [[John 6:64]]). This highlights His divine nature and authority.
3. **Human Knowledge of God:** A core theme in the New Testament is the call for humanity to "know" God. This knowledge, often conveyed through εἴδω and γινώσκω, is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative, relational understanding that leads to eternal life ([[John 17:3]]). The ability to "see" and "know" God is a spiritual gift, often contrasted with spiritual blindness.
4. **Spiritual Perception and Discernment:** The ἴσημι-derived concept of "seeing" extends beyond the physical to the spiritual realm. Believers are called to "see" and understand spiritual truths, which are often hidden from those without the Spirit ([[1 Corinthians 2:14]]). This spiritual insight is crucial for discerning God's will, understanding His Word, and recognizing the reality of His kingdom. The absence of this spiritual "seeing" leads to spiritual blindness and ignorance.
5. **Revelation:** The very act of God revealing Himself and His truth to humanity can be understood through the lens of "making known" or "making visible" (concepts inherent in εἴδω). The Incarnation of Christ is the ultimate "seeing" of God by humanity ([[John 1:18]]).
Thus, ἴσημι, as the deep root of εἴδω, contributes to the rich theological tapestry concerning divine omniscience, Christ's divine knowledge, humanity's call to know God, and the indispensable role of spiritual perception in the Christian life.
### Summary
ἴσημι (G2467) is an intriguing and important entry in Greek lexicography, not because it appears directly in the New Testament, but because it is widely considered the ancient etymological root for various forms of εἴδω (G1492). εἴδω is a pervasive verb in the New Testament, carrying the dual primary meanings of "to know" and "to see."
Therefore, the semantic range of ἴσημι is understood through εἴδω, encompassing both intellectual and experiential knowledge, as well as physical and spiritual perception. While no direct biblical occurrences of ἴσημι exist, its conceptual contribution is profound, underpinning countless passages that speak of God's perfect knowledge, Christ's divine insight, and the believer's call to spiritually "see" and "know" God and His truths. The word's significance lies in its foundational role for a core concept of apprehension and understanding that is vital to New Testament theology, particularly concerning divine revelation and human spiritual discernment.
TRV