from ὁράω; something gazed at, i.e. a spectacle (especially supernatural):--sight, vision.
Transliteration:hórama
Pronunciation:hor'-am-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G3705}}` (hórama) is derived from the verb `{{G3708}}` (horáō), meaning "to see" or "to perceive." At its most basic level, hórama refers to "something seen" or "a sight." However, its semantic range is significantly narrowed and enriched by the explicit nuance "especially supernatural." Thus, hórama typically denotes a divinely originated or revelatory vision, a perception that transcends ordinary human sight. It encompasses both the act of receiving such a vision and the content of the vision itself, often implying a direct communication or manifestation from the divine realm. Unlike a mere physical observation, a hórama conveys a message or reveals a truth that is inaccessible through normal sensory experience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hórama appears 12 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the book of Acts, where it plays a crucial role in the unfolding narrative of the early church. Its occurrences highlight its function as a primary channel for divine communication and guidance:
* In [[Matthew 17:9]], after the Transfiguration, Jesus instructs Peter, James, and John not to recount "the vision" (hórama) until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead. Here, hórama refers to the extraordinary, divine manifestation of Christ's glory, a glimpse into His true nature.
* The book of Acts showcases hórama as a frequent means of divine intervention:
* [[Acts 9:10]] describes Ananias receiving a hórama from the Lord, instructing him to go to Saul (Paul) in Damascus. This vision directly facilitates Paul's conversion and initial ministry.
* In [[Acts 10:3]], the centurion Cornelius "saw clearly in a vision" (hórama) an angel of God, who instructed him to send for Peter. This pivotal vision initiates the breakthrough of the gospel to the Gentiles.
* Peter himself receives a transformative hórama in [[Acts 10:17]] and [[Acts 10:19]], a vision of unclean animals on a sheet, which challenges his Jewish dietary laws and prepares him to preach to Cornelius. Peter later recounts this hórama to the Jerusalem church in [[Acts 11:5]], emphasizing its divine origin and significance in extending the gospel to non-Jews.
* In [[Acts 12:9]], when Peter is miraculously freed from prison by an angel, he initially thinks he is "seeing a vision" (hórama), underscoring the supernatural and sometimes disorienting nature of such experiences.
* Paul receives a crucial hórama in [[Acts 16:9]], the "Macedonian call," where a man of Macedonia pleads for help. This vision directly guides Paul's missionary journey into Europe, marking a significant geographical expansion of the gospel.
* Later, in [[Acts 18:9]], the Lord appears to Paul "in a vision by night" (hórama) in Corinth, encouraging him to continue preaching despite opposition. This vision provides divine reassurance and direction for Paul's sustained ministry.
Across these contexts, hórama consistently denotes a direct, supernatural encounter with divine reality, often leading to specific instructions, profound revelations, or significant shifts in the trajectory of God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of hórama is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **`{{G3708}}` (horáō):** As the root verb, horáō signifies the act of seeing. Hórama is the "thing seen," emphasizing the *object* of the vision rather than merely the act of perception.
* **`{{G3700}}` (optasía):** Also translated as "vision" or "appearance," optasía shares significant semantic overlap with hórama. While both refer to supernatural sights, optasía may sometimes emphasize the *act* of appearing or the *appearance* itself, whereas hórama focuses more on the *content* or *thing seen*. In practice, they are often used interchangeably in contexts of divine manifestation (cf. optasía in [[Luke 1:22]] and [[Acts 26:19]]).
* **`{{G1798}}` (ékstasis):** "Ecstasy" or "trance." Visions (hórama) are frequently received while a person is in a state of ékstasis, indicating a heightened spiritual receptivity and a temporary departure from normal consciousness (e.g., Peter's trance in [[Acts 10:10]] where he receives his hórama).
* **`{{G602}}` (apokálypsis):** "Revelation" or "unveiling." Visions (hórama) are a primary *means* by which apokálypsis occurs. They serve to unveil divine truths, plans, or realities that would otherwise remain hidden.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of divine visions has deep roots in the Old Testament, where terms like `{{H2377}}` (chazon - "vision," often prophetic) and `{{H4759}}` (mar'ah - "vision," "sight," "appearance") describe similar supernatural encounters with God (e.g., Isaiah's vision in [[Isaiah 6:1]], Ezekiel's visions in [[Ezekiel 1:1]]). These Old Testament precedents provide a theological framework for understanding hórama in the New Testament as part of God's consistent pattern of communicating with His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hórama is profound, underscoring God's active involvement in human history and the lives of His servants:
* **Divine Communication and Guidance:** Hórama serves as a direct, undeniable channel through which God communicates His will, provides specific instructions, and offers divine guidance. It bypasses human reasoning and conventional means, ensuring that the message is clearly from Him.
* **Catalyst for Redemptive History:** Many hórama experiences are pivotal moments that redirect the course of the early church and the spread of the gospel. Peter's vision opens the door to Gentile inclusion, and Paul's visions determine his missionary strategy, demonstrating how God uses these supernatural encounters to advance His redemptive plan.
* **Revelation of Spiritual Truths:** Beyond practical guidance, hórama can reveal deeper spiritual realities, as seen in the Transfiguration, which offered a glimpse into Christ's divine glory. Peter's vision on clean and unclean foods revealed a profound theological truth about God's inclusive love and the breaking down of ceremonial barriers.
* **Authentication of Ministry:** The reception of a hórama often authenticates the messenger and the message as divinely sanctioned. It provides assurance to the recipient and, when shared, to the community, that the actions taken are in accordance with God's will.
* **Emphasis on the Supernatural:** The frequent occurrence of hórama in Acts highlights the active presence and intervention of the Holy Spirit in the early church. It reminds believers that God is not distant but intimately involved, supernaturally guiding and empowering His people.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G3705}}` (hórama) denotes a supernatural sight or vision, distinct from ordinary perception, often experienced in a trance-like state. Rooted in the verb "to see," hórama consistently signifies a direct channel of divine communication in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts. These visions serve as crucial instruments for conveying God's will, providing specific guidance for missionary endeavors, breaking down social and theological barriers (such as the inclusion of Gentiles), and revealing profound spiritual truths. Theologically, hórama underscores God's active and intimate involvement in human affairs, His sovereign guidance over His church, and the powerful, transformative nature of His direct revelation to His chosen servants.
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