### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anablépō**, represented by `{{G308}}`, carries a dual meaning: **to look up** or, by implication, **to recover sight**. It is formed from the words ἀνά and βλέπω. Appearing **26 times** across **24 unique verses**, this term is used to describe both simple physical actions and profound divine miracles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G308}}` is central to many of Jesus's miracles. It is used to describe the restoration of sight to the **blind** `{{G5185}}`, a sign of Jesus's messianic authority, as stated in [[Matthew 11:5]] and [[Luke 7:22]]. This act of healing is often immediate, as when Jesus had compassion on two blind men, and "immediately their eyes received sight" [[Matthew 20:34]]. The second primary use of `{{G308}}` is the physical act of looking upward. Jesus is repeatedly described as **looking up** to heaven before performing a miracle, such as when He blessed the loaves and fishes to feed the multitude ([[Matthew 14:19]], [[Mark 6:41]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of sight and perception:
* `{{G991}}` **blépō**: This primary verb means **to look at (literally or figuratively)**. It is the root of anablépō and often refers to general seeing, as when the newly healed man said, "I see `{{G991}}` men as trees, walking" after first having been made to look up `{{G308}}` [[Mark 8:24]].
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō**: Defined as **to see (literally or figuratively); by implication... to know**, this word often implies a deeper perception or understanding beyond physical sight. It is used when Jesus tells Zacchaeus He must abide at his house after looking up and seeing `{{G1492}}` him in the tree [[Luke 19:5]].
* `{{G190}}` **akolouthéō**: Meaning **to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple)**, this word frequently describes the response of those who have been healed. After their sight was restored `{{G308}}`, they **followed** `{{G190}}` Jesus ([[Matthew 20:34]], [[Mark 10:52]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G308}}` is demonstrated in its specific applications:
* **Evidence of Divine Power:** The act of causing the blind to "receive their sight" is presented as direct evidence of Jesus's identity and mission. When asked for a sign, Jesus points to this miracle as a primary credential [[Luke 7:22]]. This is also seen in the dramatic restoration of Saul's sight by Ananias [[Acts 9:17-18]].
* **A Posture of Prayer:** Jesus's action of "looking up" `{{G308}}` to heaven before blessing food or performing a healing establishes a clear pattern of acknowledging God the Father as the source of power ([[Mark 6:41]], [[Mark 7:34]]).
* **Physical Sight as a Precursor to Discipleship:** The connection between receiving sight and following Jesus is a powerful theme. The restoration of vision is immediately followed by the act of discipleship, signifying that seeing Jesus for who He is leads to following Him [[Luke 18:43]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G308}}` bridges the physical and the spiritual. It describes the literal act of looking upward, often in dependence on God, as well as the miraculous gift of renewed vision. The use of **anablépō** illustrates that a divine touch not only opens blind eyes but also illuminates the path to discipleship, compelling those who truly see to follow Christ.
TRV