from a compound of Α (as a particle of union) and (to stretch); to gaze intently:--behold earnestly (stedfastly), fasten (eyes), look (earnestly, stedfastly, up stedfastly), set eyes.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G816}}` *atenízō* is a compound word derived from the particle A (likely intensifying or indicating union) and a root meaning "to stretch." This etymology precisely conveys its core meaning: "to gaze intently," "to fix one's eyes upon," or "to look steadfastly." Unlike general verbs of seeing such as `{{G991}}` *blepō* (to see, perceive) or `{{G3708}}` *horao* (to see, observe), *atenízō* implies a sustained, focused, and often purposeful attention. It denotes an unswerving, fixed gaze, often indicative of deep concentration, anticipation, discernment, or awe. The English translations "behold earnestly," "fasten eyes," "look steadfastly," and "set eyes" accurately capture this intensity and directedness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G816}}` *atenízō* appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Lukan writings (Luke-Acts), where it consistently marks moments of significant attention, spiritual encounter, or profound human reaction.
In [[Luke 4:20]], after Jesus reads from the scroll in the synagogue, "the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him." This depicts the intense anticipation and scrutiny of the audience as they awaited His interpretation. Similarly, in [[Luke 22:61]], after Peter's denial, "the Lord turned and looked at Peter," and Peter remembered Jesus' words, suggesting a look of profound recognition and conviction that pierced Peter's heart.
The book of Acts showcases *atenízō* in various pivotal moments:
* In [[Acts 1:10]], as Jesus ascends, the disciples are "gazing intently into heaven," signifying their wonder, longing, and expectation of His return.
* Peter and John repeatedly "gazed intently" (e.g., [[Acts 3:4]], [[Acts 3:12]]) at the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, a gaze preceding a miraculous healing and indicating their focused intent and spiritual discernment.
* Stephen's encounters are marked by this intense gaze. In [[Acts 6:15]], those who accused him "saw his face like the face of an angel," indicating a divine presence, while in [[Acts 7:55]], Stephen himself, "full of the Holy Spirit, gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God," a profound moment of spiritual vision and revelation amidst persecution.
* Cornelius, in [[Acts 10:4]], "gazed at him [the angel] intently" out of fear and awe, demonstrating his attentiveness to the divine messenger.
* Peter, in his vision on the housetop, "gazed intently" at the descending sheet in [[Acts 11:6]], indicating his careful observation and attempt to comprehend the divine instruction.
* Paul also uses this intense gaze: in [[Acts 13:9]], he "gazed intently" at Elymas, filled with the Holy Spirit, before pronouncing judgment, signifying spiritual authority and discernment. In [[Acts 14:9]], he "gazed intently" at the lame man, perceiving that he had faith to be healed, highlighting his spiritual insight into the man's condition. In [[Acts 23:1]], Paul "gazed intently at the Council," demonstrating his boldness and readiness to confront his accusers.
In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul uses *atenízō* twice to describe the Israelites' inability to "gaze intently" (or "look steadily," [[2 Corinthians 3:7]], [[2 Corinthians 3:13]]) at the fading glory on Moses' face. This highlights the transience and veiled nature of the old covenant. The implication is that the glory was too overwhelming or temporary for sustained observation, contrasting with the unveiled access to God's glory available to believers in the New Covenant through the Spirit (cf. `{{G2734}}` *katoptrizomai* in [[2 Corinthians 3:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G816}}` *atenízō* stands out from more general verbs of sight. While `{{G991}}` *blepō* (to see, perceive) and `{{G3708}}` *horao* (to see, observe) describe the act of seeing, *atenízō* adds the dimension of intense, sustained focus. Other related terms include `{{G1722}}` *emblepō* (to look at, consider, often with a specific aim) and `{{G4334}}` *prosechō* (to give attention to, apply oneself, often mentally). *Atenízō* often implies a deeper, more physical and unmoving fixation of the eyes than these, often preceding a significant event or revelation.
The concepts associated with *atenízō* include:
* **Intense Focus:** A directed, unwavering attention.
* **Discernment:** The act of perceiving or judging something, often spiritually.
* **Anticipation/Expectation:** Looking forward with eagerness or readiness.
* **Awe/Reverence:** A profound sense of wonder and respect, often in the presence of the divine.
* **Spiritual Vision/Revelation:** The capacity to perceive spiritual realities or receive divine messages.
* **Confrontation/Authority:** A gaze that conveys power or challenge.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of `{{G816}}` *atenízō* in the New Testament, particularly in Luke-Acts, underscores its theological weight. It frequently marks moments of divine encounter, spiritual revelation, or profound human response to God's work.
When individuals "gaze intently," they are often in a posture of readiness to receive from God, whether it be healing, understanding, or a direct vision. Stephen's experience in [[Acts 7:55]] is perhaps the most striking example, where his fixed gaze into heaven grants him a direct vision of God's glory and Christ at His right hand, a profound affirmation of his faith and a source of strength in martyrdom. This suggests that a focused, unswerving attention can be a prerequisite for divine insight.
The use of *atenízō* also highlights the intensity of human emotion and spiritual engagement. It is not a casual glance but a deeply committed act of perception, reflecting awe, fear, conviction, or unwavering faith. The contrast in 2 Corinthians 3 between the veiled glory of the old covenant and the unveiled access in the new covenant, though *atenízō* is used for the *inability* to gaze at the former, points to the transformative power of Christ. Believers, through the Spirit, are now able to behold the Lord's glory in a way that was previously impossible, leading to spiritual transformation.
### Summary
`{{G816}}` *atenízō* signifies an intense, fixed, and unwavering gaze, setting it apart from general terms for seeing. Its etymology suggests a "stretching" of the eyes, conveying deep concentration and purpose. Throughout the New Testament, especially in Luke-Acts, it marks moments of profound spiritual significance: anticipation of divine action, discernment for healing, reception of revelation, awe in the presence of the divine, and spiritual confrontation. The word consistently points to a focused human engagement that often precedes or accompanies a significant encounter with God or a manifestation of His power. Its use in 2 Corinthians 3 further underscores the difference between the veiled, fading glory of the old covenant and the unveiled access to God's glory available through Christ, though the word itself describes the inability to gaze at the former. Ultimately, *atenízō* communicates a posture of deep attention, readiness, and often, spiritual insight.
TRV