ἐπιβλέπω (epiblepō)
epiblepō
to look upon/at
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epiblepō describes looking at someone with specific intent, often implying a gaze of favor or special attention. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, primarily in Luke and James, carrying the sense of regarding a person with care rather than casual observation. It suggests an active engagement of the eyes that signals interest or benevolence.
Its usage highlights a contrast between indifference and intentional regard. In Luke 1:48, Mary speaks of God looking upon her lowly state, indicating a divine favor that notices and values humility. Similarly, in Luke 9:38, a father cries out for Jesus to look upon his son, pleading for attention in a moment of need. The word captures the weight of being seen by another.
James 2:3 uses the term to critique partiality, describing how people might look with favor on a wealthy visitor while ignoring a poor one. This usage underscores that epiblepō is not neutral; it carries moral and relational implications. To look upon someone in this way is to acknowledge their worth or status, making the act of seeing a significant social and spiritual gesture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we feel invisible, the simple act of being seen can change everything. This Greek word describes a gaze that carries weight and intent. It is not a casual glance but a deliberate look of favor or urgent need. In our daily lives, we often crave this kind of attention—whether from a friend in trouble or a parent seeking help for a child.
Scripture shows us God’s heart through this word. Mary celebrated that the Lord looked upon her humble state, noticing what others might overlook. Similarly, a desperate father begged Jesus to look at his son, trusting that divine attention could bring healing. These moments remind us that being truly seen is an act of grace.
We are called to reflect this same care in our communities. James warns against looking with partiality, favoring the wealthy while ignoring the poor. Instead, let us practice a gaze of dignity and respect toward everyone we meet. May you experience the comfort of being known by God, and may you extend that same attentive love to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you may look1×
- to look1×
- He has looked1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπέβλεψεν1×
- ἐπιβλέψητε1×
- ἐπιβλέψαι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:48
for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.
Mary uses this word to describe God’s intentional favor toward her humility, showing that divine attention values lowliness.
-
Luke 9:38
Behold, a man from the crowd called out, saying, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only born child.
A father pleads for Jesus to look at his son, using the term to request urgent, healing attention in a moment of crisis.
-
James 2:3
and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say, “Sit here in a good place;” and you tell the poor man, “Stand there,” or “Sit by my footstool”
James critiques partiality by describing how people look with special favor on the rich while ignoring the poor, highlighting the moral weight of the gaze.