κατοπτρίζομαι
katoptrízomai
G2734 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To look at oneself in a mirror; to observe a reflection (literal sense). In extended and figurative use, to behold, contemplate, or discern by means of a mirror or reflected image. In metaphoric contexts (notably 2 Corinthians 3:18), to perceive or apprehend something indirectly or partially, as through a reflected image rather than directly.
Semantic Range
to observe oneself in a mirror, to see reflected, to perceive indirectly or figuratively (as through a mirror), to contemplate (something mirrored or partially revealed), to perceive a representation rather than direct reality
Root / Etymology
Formed from κατά ('down, against, according to') and a verb derived from ἔσοπτρον ('mirror'), itself related to ὀπτάνομαι ('to appear, be seen'). Thus, 'to mirror oneself,' with the middle voice indicating the subject is both perceiver and perceived. The formation is unique in Koine, with limited attestations.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb κατοπτρίζομαι is exceptionally rare in Greek literature, with attestation almost solely in 2 Corinthians 3:18 (New Testament). It reflects the process not of being simply seen, but of seeing oneself or something as in a mirror – stressing the mediated, indirect, or partial nature of perception (as opposed to direct sight). In Paul, it pictures transformative contemplation, but linguistically, it simply indicates 'seeing reflected.' The concept of mirrors or indirect vision was often associated in Greco-Roman philosophy with knowledge that is incomplete or veiled. English renderings such as 'behold as in a glass' or 'reflect' do not capture both the reflexive nuance (seeing oneself as in a mirror) and the indirectness of perception in Greek. The word is not part of regular Attic or classical vocabulary and arises in Koine with a technical flavor. Related nouns, like ἔσοπτρον (mirror) and verbs from the ὀπτ- root, more frequently denote direct or indirect sight, vision, or appearance. The term never means simply 'see directly' or 'consider' outside the context of mirroring.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice from a compound of κατά and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι (compare ἔσοπτρον); to mirror oneself, i.e. to see reflected (figuratively):--behold as in a glass.
Root Family
κατοπτρίζομαι (katoptrizomai) — to see, to behold, to reflect
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2734-01 |
κατοπτριζόμενοι | katoptrizomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
beholding as in a mirror | mirroring themselves | mirroring themselves | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2734-01 |
2 Corinthians 3:18 | κατοπτριζόμενοι | katoptrizomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
beholding as in a mirror | mirroring themselves | mirroring themselves |