ἴδε (ide)
ide
look!
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 29 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word ide functions as an urgent interjection, translating to "look," "behold," or "lo." It originates as the second-person singular imperative of horao, meaning "to see," but in the New Testament it rarely asks for literal visual attention. Instead, it commands the reader or listener to pay close mental and spiritual attention to what follows.
This term appears frequently in the Gospels, particularly in John and Matthew, often introducing significant theological claims or dramatic moments. For instance, John the Baptist uses it to direct attention to Jesus as "the Lamb of God" (John 1:29), while Jesus employs it to highlight surprising truths, such as when he points out his true family in Mark 3:34.
Translators typically render ide as "behold" or "look," preserving its emphatic nature. The word serves as a linguistic spotlight, signaling that the upcoming statement is of special importance and deserves immediate, focused consideration from the audience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἴδε acts as a gentle but firm nudge to pay attention. It does not demand that you stare with physical eyes, but rather invites your heart and mind to focus on what matters most. When the text uses this term, it is asking you to pause and consider the significance of the moment or statement that follows.
In John 1:29, John the Baptist uses it to introduce Jesus as the Lamb of God. This usage shows that ἴδε is often a bridge to something profound. It helps readers shift from everyday noise to spiritual clarity. You can use this awareness to slow down during your own reading, allowing important truths to settle in your heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 29 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Behold18×
- behold9×
- look1×
- behold,1×
- See1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἴδε27×
- Ἴδε2×
- ἴδε,1×
Key Verses
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John 1:29
The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
This verse uses the word to introduce Jesus as the central figure who takes away sin, marking a pivotal theological declaration.
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Mark 3:34
Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!
Here Jesus redirects attention from biological ties to spiritual kinship, redefining family through obedience to God.
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John 19:14
Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!”
Pilate presents Jesus as King to the crowd, using the word to highlight the irony of the crucifixion scene.
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Mark 16:6
He said to them, “Don’t be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him!
The angel uses this term to direct the women to the empty tomb, confirming the reality of the resurrection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word ἴδε mean?
How is ἴδε different from other words for seeing?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (29 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 4 verses
He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five…
Matthew 25:22“He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another…
Matthew 25:25I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.’
Matthew 26:65Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold,…