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ἐπιβλέπω

epiblépō

G1914 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To look upon, to direct one's gaze intentionally toward someone or something, often with particular attention or regard. In various contexts, it may imply to consider favorably, to observe, or to take notice—sometimes with the additional nuance of compassion, favor, or selection.

Semantic Range

to look upon, to observe, to regard with favor, to direct attention toward, to look at with compassion, to consider, to select

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἐπί ('upon, on, over') and the verb βλέπω ('to see, look'). The compound form intensifies or specifies the sense of directing sight toward someone or something.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐπιβλέπω appears with the general meaning 'to look upon, observe, take notice of,' without necessarily implying favor or compassion. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term frequently acquires the connotation of special attention, often in the sense of regarding with favor or having consideration for someone in need (e.g., Luke 1:48—God 'looked upon' the lowliness of his servant). The contextual nuance can range from simple observation to a nuanced favor or pity, depending on the subject and object of the verb. English translations like 'regard,' 'look with favor,' or 'be mindful of' sometimes capture the sense, but the specific nuance should be determined by context; the association with divine attention or favor is particularly strong in some biblical contexts. The term does not exclusively indicate divine or benevolent action, but may in certain settings simply denote directed observation distinct from a casual glance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and βλέπω; to gaze at (with favor, pity or partiality):--look upon, regard, have respect to.

Root Family

ἐπιβλέπω (epiblepō) — to see, to look, to regard

Root βλέπ- to see, to look, to regard

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1914-02 ἐπιβλέψαι epiblepsai V AOR ACT INF to look upon to look upon attentively to look upon 1
G1914-03 ἐπιβλέψητε epiblepsete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL you pay special attention you might look upon you pay special attention 1
G1914-01 ἐπέβλεψεν epeblepsen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he has regarded he looked upon he looked upon 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1914-01 Luke 1:48 ἐπέβλεψεν epeblepsen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he has regarded he looked upon he looked upon
G1914-02 Luke 9:38 ἐπιβλέψαι epiblepsai V AOR ACT INF to look upon to look upon attentively to look upon
G1914-03 James 2:3 ἐπιβλέψητε epiblepsete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL you pay special attention you might look upon you pay special attention
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