### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὅρασις (G3706, *hórasis*) is derived from the verb ὁράω (G3708, *horáō*), meaning "to see," "to perceive," or "to behold." This etymological connection is crucial, as *hórasis* fundamentally relates to the act or result of seeing. Its semantic range extends across two primary facets:
1. **External Aspect or Appearance:** In this sense, *hórasis* refers to the outward form, visible quality, or general appearance of something. It describes what is perceived by the physical eye or presented to observation. This nuance emphasizes the visual characteristic of an object or scene.
2. **Inspired Appearance or Divine Vision:** More profoundly, *hórasis* denotes a supernatural, divinely-imparted vision or revelation. This is not mere physical sight but a spiritual or mental apprehension of a divine reality, often accompanied by prophetic insight or a message from God. It signifies a direct encounter with the transcendent, where God reveals Himself or His purposes.
Thus, *hórasis* moves beyond simple optical perception to encompass profound experiences of divine disclosure, making it a key term in understanding biblical revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὅρασις (G3706) appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
1. **[[Acts 2:17]]:** "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions (ὅρασις), and your old men shall dream dreams."
Here, *hórasis* clearly refers to an "inspired appearance" or "divine vision." Peter quotes the prophecy of Joel, indicating that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will enable people, particularly the young men, to receive direct revelatory experiences from God. This is distinct from ordinary physical sight and signifies a supernatural communication of divine truths.
2. **[[Revelation 4:3]]:** "And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight (ὅρασις) like unto an emerald."
In this context, *hórasis* describes the "appearance" or "outward aspect" of the rainbow. John is recounting what he saw in his heavenly vision, and he uses *hórasis* to convey the visual quality and color of the emerald-like rainbow surrounding God's throne. This usage aligns with the first semantic facet, emphasizing the observable characteristic of a heavenly phenomenon.
3. **[[Revelation 9:17]]:** "And thus I saw the horses in the vision (ὅρασις), and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and of brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone."
Similar to [[Acts 2:17]], *hórasis* here denotes a "divine vision." John is describing a specific, terrifying scene revealed to him as part of the unfolding apocalyptic events. It is a supernaturally granted perception of future judgment, emphasizing the revelatory nature of the experience.
From these occurrences, it is evident that *hórasis* can describe both the visual quality of something seen (as in Revelation 4:3) and, more frequently and significantly, a divinely imparted revelation or prophetic vision (as in Acts 2:17 and Revelation 9:17). The context invariably clarifies which nuance is intended.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ὅρασις (G3706) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **ὁράω (G3708, *horáō*):** The root verb from which *hórasis* is derived. While *horáō* means "to see" or "to perceive" (physically or mentally), *hórasis* is the *result* of that seeing—either the appearance itself or the vision received.
* **ὅραμα (G3705, *hórama*):** This noun is also translated as "vision" or "sight" and is frequently used for specific divine appearances or dream-visions (e.g., Peter's vision of the sheet in [[Acts 10:3]] and [[Acts 10:17]]). While *hórama* often emphasizes the *thing seen* or the specific content of the vision, *hórasis* can convey the *act of gazing* or the *experience* of receiving the vision, though in practice, their meanings often overlap, particularly in the context of divine revelation.
* **ἔνυπνιον (G1792, *enypnion*):** Specifically refers to a "dream" or "vision in a dream." This term is used in [[Acts 2:17]] alongside *hórasis*, distinguishing between day-time visions and night-time dreams as modes of divine communication.
* **ἀποκάλυψις (G602, *apokalypsis*):** Meaning "revelation" or "unveiling." While *hórasis* describes a specific form of revelation (a visual one), *apokalypsis* is the broader concept of God disclosing hidden truths, which can occur through various means, including visions.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** In the Hebrew Bible, several words carry similar semantic weight:
* **חָזוֹן (H2377, *chazon*):** Often translated "vision," particularly in prophetic contexts (e.g., Isaiah 1:1, Ezekiel 1:1). It refers to a divinely inspired prophetic revelation.
* **מַרְאֶה (H4759, *mar'eh*):** Translated as "sight," "appearance," or "vision." It can denote both the physical appearance of something (e.g., Ezekiel 1:16 for the appearance of wheels) and a prophetic vision (e.g., Numbers 12:8, where God speaks to Moses "mouth to mouth, even apparently," using *mar'eh*). This Hebrew term closely parallels the dual nature of *hórasis*.
These related terms underscore the varied ways God communicates with humanity, with *hórasis* standing out as a primary mode of direct, often visual, divine encounter.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ὅρασις (G3706) is profound, particularly in its capacity to convey divine revelation:
* **Divine Communication:** *Hórasis* serves as a powerful conduit for God's direct communication with humanity. It signifies God's active involvement in the world, breaking into the human realm to reveal His will, purposes, and even His very presence.
* **Prophetic Empowerment:** As seen in [[Acts 2:17]], visions are intrinsically linked to prophetic ministry. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to receive and declare God's truth through visionary experiences, demonstrating a continuity with Old Testament prophetic traditions. This highlights the Holy Spirit as the divine agent enabling such encounters.
* **Experiential Knowledge of God:** Visions are not merely intellectual propositions but often involve an immersive, sensory, and deeply personal encounter with the divine. John's visions in Revelation, described using *hórasis*, are vivid and impactful, providing a direct, though mediated, experience of God's glory, power, and future judgments.
* **Revelation of Heavenly Realities:** In the book of Revelation, *hórasis* is used to describe the appearance of heavenly beings and phenomena, offering glimpses into the divine throne room and the spiritual realities that govern the cosmos. This provides assurance of God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His plans.
* **Warning and Judgment:** While visions can convey glory and hope, as in Revelation 4:3, they also serve as warnings of impending judgment, as seen in Revelation 9:17. This demonstrates that God's revelations through *hórasis* encompass both His redemptive and His judicial attributes.
In essence, *hórasis* underscores the dynamic and personal nature of God's interaction with His creation, providing a means by which humanity can apprehend otherwise inaccessible divine truths.
### Summary
The Greek word ὅρασις (G3706, *hórasis*) carries a dual meaning: it can refer to the "outward appearance" or "sight" of something visible, or, more significantly, to an "inspired appearance" or "divine vision." Derived from the verb "to see," it encompasses both physical perception and supernatural revelation. Biblical occurrences demonstrate this versatility, describing the visual aspect of a heavenly rainbow in [[Revelation 4:3]] and, more prominently, the reception of divine, prophetic insights in [[Acts 2:17]] and [[Revelation 9:17]]. Theologically, *hórasis* is a crucial term for understanding God's direct communication with humanity, His empowerment of prophetic ministry, and the experiential nature of encountering divine realities. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's active presence and His continuous unveiling of His glorious purposes and righteous judgments to His people.
TRV