Lexical Summary optanomai: to appear, to be seen, to be visible Original Word: ὀπτάνομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance appear, look, seeA (middle voice) prolonged form of the primary (middle voice) optomai (op'-tom-ahee); which is used for it in certain tenses; and both as alternate of horao; to gaze (i.e. With wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from blepo, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from eido, which expresses merely mechanical, passive or casual vision; while theaomai, and still more emphatically its intensive theoreo, signifies an earnest but more continued inspection; and skopeo a watching from a distance) -- appear, look, see, shew self. see GREEK horao see GREEK blepo see GREEK eido see GREEK theaomai see GREEK theoreo see GREEK skopeo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3700 optánomai (or optomai/optanō, likely a later cognate of 3708 /horáō) – become seen (appear). See 3708 (horaō). [Some forms of Strong's numbering systems designate optomai as 3708.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root op- (cf. horaó) Definition to appear NASB Translation appearing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3700: ὀπτάνωὀπτάνω (ὈΠΤΩ): to look at, behold; middle present participle ὀπτανόμενος; to allow oneself to be seen, to appear: τίνι, Acts 1:3. (1 Kings 8:8; Tobit 12:19; (Graecus Venetus, Exodus 34:24).) Topical Lexicon Etymological and Conceptual Background Although the verb carries the simple idea of “being seen” or “appearing,” it consistently conveys more than mere visibility. It is used of a self-revelation intended to confirm reality to the observer. The nuance includes personal encounter and perceptible evidence, fitting well with Luke’s historiographical purpose in Acts. Canonical Occurrence: Acts 1:3 “After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a span of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3) The single use of the term describes the resurrected Jesus repeatedly showing Himself alive to the apostles. Luke selects this particular verb to stress that the appearances were objective events rather than internal impressions. The risen Lord was not merely imagined; He was bodily present, discernible, and communicative. Historical Significance of the Forty-Day Period 1. Confirmation of Resurrection: The appearances bridge the empty tomb and Pentecost, grounding apostolic preaching in verifiable experience (Acts 2:32). Theological Implications • Reliability of Revelation: God secures faith not through myth but through historical manifestation. Relationship to Broader New Testament Witness While Acts 1:3 is the only occurrence of this specific form, the concept pervades resurrection narratives (Matthew 28:9-10; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-29) and apostolic proclamation (1 Corinthians 15:4-8). Luke’s lexical choice strengthens the harmony between his account and Paul’s list of appearances, reinforcing a unified testimony to the bodily resurrection. Pastoral and Missional Application 1. Assurance for Believers: The verb’s emphasis on concrete evidence provides a foundation for certainty amid skepticism (Luke 1:4). Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3700, though appearing only once, encapsulates the critical transition from Christ’s earthly ministry to the Spirit-empowered mission of the Church. By affirming the factual, visible encounters with the risen Lord, Scripture undergirds the gospel’s reliability, equips the saints for witness, and points forward to the ultimate beatific vision when faith will finally give way to sight. Forms and Transliterations οπτανομενος οπτανόμενος ὀπτανόμενος ωπτάνοντο optanomenos optanómenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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