διαβλέπω (diablepō)
diablepō
to see clearly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diablepō means to see clearly or look straight ahead with focused vision. It combines the prefix dia- (through, across) with blepō (to see), suggesting a gaze that penetrates obstacles or ignores distractions. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within the Synoptic Gospels, highlighting moments where physical sight intersects with spiritual insight.
Jesus uses this term in practical instructions about removing faults from one’s own life before helping others (Matthew 7:5; Luke 6:42). The imagery is vivid: a person must first clear their own vision to see properly. It also appears in Mark 8:25, where Jesus lays hands on a blind man, asking if he sees anything. The man’s response shows partial clarity—he sees people like trees walking—demonstrating that diablepō can describe the beginning of restored sight, not just perfect vision.
This word underscores the connection between physical and spiritual perception. Clear seeing is not merely about eyesight but about understanding and discernment. The Gospels use it to show how Jesus restores both bodily health and moral clarity, inviting readers to examine their own perspective before judging others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we try to help others, our own blind spots often get in the way. The word diablepō reminds us that clear vision starts with self-examination. Before pointing out small faults in someone else, we must first address the larger issues in our own lives. This is not about perfection, but about honesty and humility.
In Mark 8:25, Jesus restores a blind man’s sight gradually. The man sees people "like trees walking" before his vision is fully clear. This shows that spiritual clarity often comes in steps. We may not see everything perfectly right away, but God helps us gain perspective over time. As we remove distractions and pride, our ability to discern truth grows.
This word invites us to look inward first. It encourages patience with our own growth and grace toward others. When we focus on clearing our own vision, we become better equipped to support those around us with kindness and understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will see clearly2×
- look1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαβλέψεις2×
- διέβλεψεν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:5
You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Jesus uses this word to emphasize that self-correction is a prerequisite for helping others.
-
Mark 8:25
Then again he laid his hands on his eyes. He looked intently, and was restored, and saw everyone clearly.
The term describes the moment of restored sight, showing how clarity can begin gradually.
-
Luke 6:42
Or how can you tell your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye,’ when you yourself don’t see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye.
This occurrence highlights the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring one’s own flaws.