from βλέπω; vision (properly concrete; by implication, abstract):--seeing.
Transliteration:blémma
Pronunciation:blem'-mah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun βλέμμα (blémma, `{{G990}}`) is derived from the verb βλέπω (blepō, `{{G991}}`), meaning "to see," "to look," or "to perceive." Consequently, βλέμμα fundamentally denotes "vision," "a look," "a glance," or "the act of seeing." It can refer concretely to the eye or the faculty of sight, but more often, it signifies the *result* or *product* of seeing—the specific gaze, the sight observed, or the object of vision. In its abstract sense, it can imply the act of perception itself, the "seeing" as an experience. Unlike βλέπω which emphasizes the *action* of seeing, βλέμμα points to the *effect* or *instance* of that action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the word βλέμμα (blémma, `{{G990}}`) does not appear in the standard critical editions of the Greek New Testament. While Strong's Concordance may associate it conceptually with passages related to "seeing" or "eyes," the lemma itself is not present in the New Testament corpus. Therefore, a direct contextual analysis from New Testament passages is not possible.
However, understanding its meaning derived from its root βλέπω (`{{G991}}`) and its usage in extra-biblical Greek literature allows for an appreciation of its potential semantic contribution. If βλέμμα were to appear, it would likely highlight a specific "look" or "gaze," perhaps emphasizing its intensity, its object, or its moral quality. For instance, a "lustful βλέμμα" would denote a gaze filled with desire, or a "discerning βλέμμα" would imply a perceptive look. Its absence in the New Testament may suggest that the writers preferred the broader verb βλέπω or other more specific nouns related to sight (e.g., ὀφθαλμός for "eye," ὄψις for "appearance" or "sight") to convey their intended meanings.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant related word is its root verb, βλέπω (blepō, `{{G991}}`), which is widely used in the New Testament to describe physical sight ([[Matthew 13:13]]), spiritual perception ([[Ephesians 4:18]]), careful observation ([[Mark 4:24]]), and even caution or vigilance ([[1 Corinthians 10:12]]).
Other Greek words related to "seeing" or "vision" include:
* ὁράω (horaō, `{{G3708}}`): To see, perceive, often with an emphasis on mental apprehension or spiritual vision.
* εἶδον (eidon, `{{G1492}}`): The aorist form of ὁράω, also meaning "to see," often implying a direct, immediate perception.
* θεάομαι (theaomai, `{{G2300}}`): To gaze, behold, contemplate, often suggesting a prolonged or attentive observation, sometimes with wonder.
* σκοπέω (skopeō, `{{G4648}}`): To look carefully, observe, consider, from which we get "scope."
* ὄψις (opsis, `{{G3799}}`): Appearance, countenance, or sight (as something seen).
* ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos, `{{G3788}}`): The physical eye.
The conceptual field surrounding βλέμμα thus includes not only physical sight but also discernment, understanding, spiritual insight, and the moral implications of how one perceives the world and others.
### Theological Significance
Although βλέμμα itself is not found in the New Testament, its conceptual meaning, deeply rooted in βλέπω, carries significant theological weight. The act of "seeing" in the Bible is rarely merely physical; it often extends to profound spiritual and moral dimensions.
1. **Spiritual Perception:** The ability to "see" spiritually is a hallmark of true faith. Jesus speaks of those who have "eyes but do not see" ([[Matthew 13:13]]), referring to a spiritual blindness that prevents understanding of divine truth. Conversely, blessed are the "pure in heart, for they shall see God" ([[Matthew 5:8]]), pointing to a future beatific vision and a present spiritual discernment.
2. **Moral Implications of the Gaze:** The way one looks can be laden with moral consequence. Jesus' teaching on lust ([[Matthew 5:28]]) highlights that a sinful "look" (a βλέμμα of lust) can be tantamount to the act itself. This emphasizes the internal disposition and the intent behind one's gaze.
3. **Vigilance and Discernment:** The broader concept of "seeing" (from βλέπω) often calls for vigilance and discernment, urging believers to "look carefully" (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:15]]) at how they walk, to avoid deception, and to understand the times.
4. **Divine Omniscience:** God's "seeing" is absolute and all-encompassing, signifying His omniscience and His penetrating gaze into the human heart ([[Hebrews 4:13]]). Humanity's "seeing" God, whether through faith now or directly in the eschaton, is a central theme of redemption and hope ([[1 John 3:2]]).
Thus, while βλέμμα is absent, the rich tapestry of "seeing" in its various forms underpins crucial theological concepts related to knowledge, morality, spiritual life, and the ultimate encounter with God.
### Summary
βλέμμα (blémma, `{{G990}}`) is a Greek noun derived from βλέπω (`{{G991}}`), signifying "a look," "a gaze," or "the act/result of seeing." Despite its clear definition and derivation, this specific lemma is not found in the standard Greek New Testament. Nevertheless, its conceptual meaning is deeply interwoven with the broader biblical understanding of "seeing," which encompasses physical sight, spiritual perception, moral discernment, and the profound implications of how one looks and what one perceives. The absence of βλέμμα itself does not diminish the pervasive and theologically rich theme of "seeing" throughout Scripture, which speaks to humanity's capacity for understanding, moral responsibility, and ultimate communion with God.
TRV