φάντασμα
phántasma
G5326 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An apparition, a visible but non-material appearance (often perceived as supernatural); specifically an appearance or manifestation typically understood as a ghost, specter, or frightening vision. In Koine contexts, refers most often to a supernatural manifestation perceived by eyesight, usually accompanied by fear or confusion.
Semantic Range
apparition, phantom, specter, visible supernatural manifestation, frightening vision, imagined figure
Root / Etymology
From the verb φαντάζω ('to make visible, to appear'), itself derived from φαντός ('visible') related to φαίνω ('to bring to light, to appear'). Thus, φάντασμα is a 'thing made to appear' or 'that which appears.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, φάντασμα referred broadly to an apparition, phantom, or image—any visible appearance not corresponding to physical reality, including visions, imagined forms, and ghostly manifestations. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, it most commonly denoted a supernatural apparition or ghost. In the Septuagint, uses are extremely rare; in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 14:26, Mark 6:49), it specifically describes what the disciples believe to be a supernatural apparition on the sea—commonly rendered 'ghost' in English, but referring to a visible supernatural being or phenomenon rather than a disembodied soul of the dead. Notably, in pagan Greek usage, φάντασμα could indicate any visual manifestation (omens, appearances in dreams, etc.), but the semantic range in Christian literature narrows to 'ghostly apparition.' English 'phantasm' or 'apparition' may capture the nuance better than 'spirit' or 'ghost' alone, as those terms can imply ontological status not inherent in the Greek word. Contrast with πνεῦμα (G4151), which refers more generally to 'spirit, wind, breath,' or spiritual beings in a broader sense; φάντασμα is a visual phenomenon, not an essence or being in itself. The standard English translation as 'ghost' may over-specify, as the Greek does not always connote the spirit of a dead person.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from φαντάζω; (properly concrete) a (mere) show ("phantasm"), i.e. spectre:--spirit.
Root Family
φαντασ- (phántasma) — to appear, to make visible, to bring to perception
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5326-01 |
φάντασμά | phantasma | N NOM N SG |
a ghost | an apparition | an apparition | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5326-01 |
Matthew 14:26 | φάντασμά | phantasma | N NOM N SG |
ghost | an apparition | an apparition |
G5326-01 |
Mark 6:49 | φάντασμά | phantasma | N NOM N SG |
a ghost | an apparition | an apparition |