φαντάζω
phantázō
G5324 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cause to appear, to make visible, to display or present outwardly; in passive and middle forms, to become visible, to appear, to present oneself or be manifested to the senses. The word carries the sense of bringing something before the eyes or into perception, whether as a material sight or as an apparition or phenomenon. In context, it may refer to a tangible spectacle, an apparition, or something presented vividly to the mind or view.
Semantic Range
to cause to appear, to make apparent, to display outwardly, to present as a spectacle, to show forth; (passive) to appear, to become visible, to be made manifest; a vision or a sight presented to perception
Root / Etymology
From the root φαντ- (related to φαίνω, 'to bring to light, to make appear'). φαντάζω is derived from φαίνω, adding sense of producing an appearance or spectacle. Connected to words denoting light or manifestation, like φαντασία ('appearance, imagination'), φάντασμα ('apparition, image').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, φαντάζω is attested rarely and primarily in later prose, often with the sense 'to make appear' or 'bring to view.' In Hellenistic and Koine usage—especially the passive and participial forms—it more often refers to something becoming visible, appearing as a phenomenon or noteworthy sight. The neuter participle τὸ φανταζόμενον can function substantivally: 'that which appears' or 'spectacle', as in the usage of sight, vision, or apparition. The term is closely related to φαντασία ('imagination, appearance') and φάντασμα ('apparition, ghost'), but φαντάζω itself emphasizes the act of making something appear or the fact of an appearance rather than the content or subject of the apparition. Standard English translations often use 'sight,' 'spectacle,' or 'vision,' but these may underrepresent the Greek idea of something distinctly put before the senses or mind, whether concretely or strikingly. In the New Testament (e.g., Luke 23:48), its usage evokes the sense of an extraordinary or remarkable appearance, not just ordinary seeing.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a derivative of φαίνω; to make apparent, i.e. (passively) to appear (neuter participle as noun, a spectacle):--sight.
Root Family
φαντάζω (phantazō) — to make appear, to display, to become visible
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5324-01 |
φανταζόμενον | phantazomenon | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG |
sight | the thing being made visible | the thing being made visible | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5324-01 |
Hebrews 12:21 | φανταζόμενον | phantazomenon | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N SG |
sight | the thing being made visible | the thing being made visible |