Strong's Lexicon esoptron: Mirror Original Word: ἔσοπτρον Word Origin: Derived from the Greek words "en" (in) and "optanomai" (to see), indicating something one looks into. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "esoptron," the concept of seeing or reflecting can be related to Hebrew words like רָאָה (ra'ah - to see) or מַרְאָה (mar'ah - vision, appearance). Usage: The term "esoptron" refers to a mirror, an object used for reflection. In the ancient world, mirrors were typically made of polished metal, such as bronze, rather than glass. The word is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the partial and indirect nature of human understanding and perception, especially in spiritual matters. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, mirrors were common household items, though they differed significantly from modern glass mirrors. Made from polished metals, these mirrors provided a less clear reflection, which is significant in understanding the metaphorical use of "esoptron" in the New Testament. The imperfect reflection offered by these ancient mirrors serves as a powerful illustration of the limited and indirect nature of human knowledge and spiritual insight. HELPS Word-studies 2072 ésoptron – a metallic mirror (not made of glass). Ancient mirrors (merely made of polished metal) only produced an indistinct image (reflection). So, to get an accurate picture (reflection) the viewer had to look from several different angles ("standpoints"). This has profound implications in "doing theology"! NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eis and the fut. of horaó Definition a mirror (i.e. an object for looking into) NASB Translation mirror (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2072: ἔσοπτρονἔσοπτρον, ἐσόπτρου, τό (ὈΠΤΩ), a mirror: 1 Corinthians 13:12; James 1:23. (Wis. 7:26; Sir. 12:11; Pindar Nem. 7, 20; Anacreon ( Strong's Exhaustive Concordance glass. From eis and a presumed derivative of optanomai; a mirror (for looking into) -- glass. Compare katoptrizomai. see GREEK eis see GREEK optanomai see GREEK katoptrizomai Forms and Transliterations εσοπτρου εσόπτρου ἐσόπτρου εσοπτρω εσόπτρω ἐσόπτρῳ esoptro esoptrō esóptroi esóptrōi esoptrou esóptrouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 13:12 N-GNSGRK: ἄρτι δι' ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι NAS: we see in a mirror dimly, KJV: we see through a glass, darkly; but INT: presently through a glass in obscurity James 1:23 N-DNS Strong's Greek 2072 |
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