ὀπτάνομαι
optánomai
G3700 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To see, especially in the sense of appearing or being seen; to be visible or manifest. In particular contexts, emphasizes being made visible (often in the sense of a sudden or significant appearance to someone). Used especially of visual experiences that are remarkable or carry special significance, including the visible appearance of a person, figure, or phenomenon.
Semantic Range
to be seen, to appear (become visible), to see (in the sense of having a vision), to be manifest, to encounter a visible presence
Root / Etymology
Middle or passive form derived from a root related to the verb ὁράω ('to see'), with ὀπτάνομαι serving as a present and future tense form where ὁράω is defective. The stem ὀπ- is related to seeing, as in several Greek visual/verbal roots.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ὀπτάνομαι is not common, with ὁράω being the usual verb for 'to see.' By the Koine period, ὀπτάνομαι appears in certain tenses as a substitute for forms of ὁράω, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament. It consistently functions in the middle/passive voice, with meanings ranging from 'to be seen' to 'to appear.' In the New Testament narrative tradition, it often denotes visionary or theophanic appearances—experiences where individuals witness divine or angelic figures, or where Jesus appears after the resurrection. In these contexts, the nuance is not of casual sight but often of a sight that is unexpected, remarkable, or impactful. English translations frequently use 'appear,' 'be seen,' or 'see,' but may not always capture the intensity or suddenness of the verb's usage. Contrasts with other Greek sight verbs: βλέπω (to look at, to perceive), εἴδω (to see, to perceive in a more passive sense), θεάομαι (to gaze at with wonder or contemplation), θεωρέω (to scrutinize, to consider deeply), and σκοπέω (to observe, often from a distance or with intent focus). ὀπτάνομαι often implies an encounter, not mere perception. Not used for the idea of careful, investigative observation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a (middle voice) prolonged form of the primary (middle voice) ; which is used for it in certain tenses; and both as alternate of ὁράω; to gaze (i.e. with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from βλέπω, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from εἴδω, which expresses merely mechanical, passive or casual vision; while θεάομαι, and still more emphatically its intensive θεωρέω, signifies an earnest but more continued inspection; and σκοπέω a watching from a distance):--appear, look, see, shew self.
Root Family
ὀπ- (epóptēs) — to see, to observe, to appear
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G2030 | ἐπόπτης | direct eyewitnesses |
| G2714 | κατενώπιον | in the immediate presence of |
| G3659 | ὄμμα | eyes |
| G3692 | ὀπή | to openings |
| G3693 | ὄπισθεν | behind |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3700-01 |
ὀπτανόμενος | optanomenos | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M SG |
appearing | appearing | appearing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3700-01 |
Acts 1:3 | ὀπτανόμενος | optanomenos | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M SG |
appearing | appearing | appearing |