ἐπεῖδον (epeidon)
epeidon
to look upon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The aorist verb epeidon describes looking at someone with specific intent, often carrying a weight of divine attention that goes beyond simple seeing. In classical Greek, it was frequently used to describe gods regarding humans, and the New Testament retains this sense of active, purposeful regard. It appears only twice in the text, yet each instance marks a critical turning point in God’s interaction with history.
In Luke 1:25, Mary reflects on how the Lord has looked upon her humble state to bestow favor, using the verb to express a gracious intervention that changes her circumstances. Conversely, Acts 4:29 records the early church praying for God to look upon their threats with a view to healing and signs, implying a stern or judicial attention to the actions of their opponents. The prepositional prefix emphasizes this directed focus.
Translators typically render epeidon as "looked upon" or "paid attention to," capturing the idea that God’s gaze is never passive. Whether the outcome is blessing or judgment, the word underscores that divine attention is always purposeful and effective, directly influencing the events it observes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word epeidon describes a gaze that is active, intentional, and full of purpose. It is not merely seeing something in passing; it is looking upon someone with specific intent. In the New Testament, this verb often carries the weight of divine attention, suggesting that God’s focus on us is never passive or casual.
In Luke 1:25, Mary uses this word to describe how the Lord looked upon her humble state. Her reflection shows that when God directs His attention toward us, it can bring grace and change our circumstances for good. This reminds us that we are seen by Him with care and favor.
Similarly, in Acts 4:29, the early church prayed for God to look upon their threats. Here, the word implies a serious, purposeful regard that leads to action and boldness. Whether bringing blessing or calling for courage, this word assures us that God’s gaze is always effective and meaningful in our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do look1×
- He looked upon [me]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔπιδε1×
- ἐπεῖδεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:25
“Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.”
Mary uses this verb to highlight how God's active regard transformed her personal shame into divine favor.
-
Acts 4:29
Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,
The church prays for God to look upon their threats with the specific intent of empowering bold witness.