ἰδού (idou)
idou
look!
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 200 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word idou functions as a demonstrative particle that commands attention, translating roughly to "look!" or "behold." It is the second-person singular imperative of the verb horao ("to see"), but in Scripture it rarely asks for physical sight. Instead, it serves as an interjection to highlight something significant, appearing over two hundred times with heavy concentration in Matthew, Luke, and Revelation.
Its usage often mirrors the Hebrew hinneh found in the Old Testament. It frequently introduces sudden events or startling revelations, such as when the angel announces Jesus’ birth to Mary (Luke 1:31) or when John the Baptist points out the Lamb of God (John 1:29). The phrase kai idou ("and behold") is particularly common in Matthew, marking dramatic shifts in the narrative.
Translators usually render this word as "behold" to preserve its archaic weight, though it simply means "see here." It acts as a verbal spotlight, directing the reader’s focus to a person, event, or truth that demands immediate recognition and response.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word idou acts as a divine spotlight in Scripture, urging readers to pause and pay attention to what matters most. It rarely asks for physical sight but instead highlights significant events or truths that demand immediate recognition. When you encounter this term, it is an invitation to notice God’s active presence in your life.
In the Gospels, idou often introduces moments of grace or revelation, such as when angels announce Jesus’ birth or when He heals the sick. These instances remind us that God frequently interrupts our routines to offer hope and direction. By slowing down to observe these details, we can better appreciate the care and intentionality behind His actions.
This word encourages a posture of attentiveness, helping us see beyond surface-level circumstances to the deeper realities at work. Whether in times of joy or difficulty, idou invites us to trust that God is actively involved, guiding us toward understanding and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 200 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- behold117×
- Behold90×
- [or] ‘Behold1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἰδοὺ196×
- ἰδού8×
- Ἰδοὺ3×
- ἰδού,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:20
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
This verse uses idou to introduce an angelic message that reassures Joseph about Mary’s pregnancy, highlighting God’s plan unfolding in a moment of uncertainty.
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Matthew 3:16
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him.
The use of idou here signals the opening of heaven during Jesus’ baptism, revealing the Trinity’s affirmation of Christ’s mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does idou mean in the Bible?
Why is idou used so frequently in the Gospels?
How is idou different from other words for 'seeing'?
Where can I find examples of idou in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (200 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 59 verses
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 1:23“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is,…
Matthew 2:1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to…
Matthew 2:9They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them until…
Matthew 2:13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 2:19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
Matthew 3:16Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the…
Matthew 3:17Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 4:11Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.
Matthew 7:4Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye?
Matthew 8:2Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”
Matthew 8:24Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
Matthew 8:29Behold, they cried out, saying, “What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us…
Matthew 8:32He said to them, “Go!” They came out and went into the herd of pigs; and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the…
Matthew 8:34Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.
Matthew 9:2Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,…
Matthew 9:3Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes.”
Matthew 9:10As he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
Matthew 9:18While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but…
Matthew 9:20Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
Matthew 9:32As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.
Matthew 10:16“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Matthew 11:8But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
Matthew 11:10For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before…
Matthew 11:19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax…
Matthew 12:2But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, “Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”
Matthew 12:10And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” so that…
Matthew 12:18“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit on him. He…
Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the…
Matthew 12:42The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the…
Matthew 12:46While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him.
Matthew 12:47One said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.”
Matthew 12:49He stretched out his hand toward his disciples, and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!
Matthew 13:3He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, “Behold, a farmer went out to sow.
Matthew 15:22Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My…
Matthew 17:3Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
Matthew 17:5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying,…
Matthew 19:16Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
Matthew 19:27Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”
Matthew 20:18“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they…
Matthew 20:30Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 21:5“Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a…
Matthew 22:4Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle…
Matthew 23:34Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of…
Matthew 23:38Behold, your house is left to you desolate.
Matthew 24:23“Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There!’ don’t believe it.
Matthew 24:25“Behold, I have told you beforehand.
Matthew 24:26“If therefore they tell you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ don’t go out; or ‘Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’…
Matthew 25:6But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’
Matthew 26:45Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and…
Matthew 26:46Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.”
Matthew 26:47While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and…
Matthew 26:51Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high…
Matthew 27:51Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the…
Matthew 28:7Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you…
Matthew 28:9As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and…
Matthew 28:11Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all the things that…
Matthew 28:20teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”…