ἀναβλέπω (anablepō)
anablepō
to look up/again
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb anablepō literally means to look up, but in the New Testament it carries a specific medical weight: to recover sight. While the basic action involves raising one’s eyes, the context almost always points to a blind person regaining vision. This dual sense is evident when Jesus looks up to heaven before feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:19), describing a physical gesture, yet also appears in accounts where the healed beggar receives his sight (Mark 8:24-25).
Lexical sources note that this term was used in secular Greek to describe recovering vision, such as in inscriptions regarding healing temples. In Scripture, it becomes the standard word for miraculous restoration of sight, distinguishing these events from ordinary seeing. The Gospel of John uses it repeatedly to describe the man born blind (John 9:11), emphasizing that his new ability to see was a direct result of Jesus’ intervention.
Its usage highlights a tangible connection between physical healing and spiritual revelation. When the Gospels record that someone "received sight" through anablepō, they are describing more than just improved eyesight; they are marking a moment where darkness is replaced by light. This concrete imagery reinforces the theme that Jesus brings clarity and restoration to those in despair.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anablepō carries a dual meaning in Scripture: it describes both the physical act of raising one’s eyes and the miraculous restoration of sight. When Jesus looks up to heaven before feeding the multitudes, He models a posture of dependence on the Father. This simple gesture reminds us that our daily provision comes from looking upward, trusting in God’s timing and care rather than relying solely on our own resources.
In healing narratives, the term marks a profound transition from darkness to light. For the blind beggar who cries out for mercy, or for Saul of Tarsus whose eyes are opened by Ananias, this word signifies more than improved vision. It represents a spiritual awakening where clarity replaces confusion. These moments invite us to consider how God brings insight into our own lives, turning despair into hope through His grace.
Whether in the quiet act of prayer or the dramatic moment of healing, anablepō points to a God who sees us and restores us. It encourages believers to seek His face with humility, knowing that He is able to open eyes—both physical and spiritual—to the truth of His love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having looked up7×
- receive sight,2×
- he received sight2×
- I may receive sight.2×
- you may see again1×
- they received sight1×
- received sight1×
- looked up1×
- he regained his sight1×
- he may see again.1×
- he had received sight.1×
- having received sight,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναβλέψας6×
- ἀνέβλεψεν3×
- ἀναβλέψω.2×
- ἀναβλέπουσιν,2×
- Ἀναβλέψας1×
- ἀνέβλεψέν1×
- ἀνέβλεψεν.1×
- ἀνέβλεψαν1×
- ἀνέβλεψα.1×
- ἀνέβλεψα1×
- ἀνάβλεψον·1×
- ἀνάβλεψον.1×
Key Verses
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Mark 10:52
Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the way.
This verse highlights the immediate result of faith, where the blind man’s request for sight is met with Jesus’ declaration that his faith has made him well.
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John 9:11
He answered, “A man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went away and washed, and I received sight.”
Here the word describes the man born blind recounting how Jesus’ intervention led to his restoration, emphasizing the tangible nature of the miracle.
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Acts 9:17
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Ananias uses this term to describe the healing of Saul, linking physical sight with the filling of the Holy Spirit.
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Mark 6:41
He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all.
This occurrence shows Jesus looking up to heaven in prayer before blessing the bread, illustrating a posture of gratitude and dependence on God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does anablepō mean in the New Testament?
How is anablepō different from blepo?
Where does this word appear in the Gospels?
Why is this word significant for understanding Jesus’ ministry?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 3 verses
the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the…
Matthew 14:19He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to…
Matthew 20:34Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they…