ὄμμα (omma)
omma
eye
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun omma simply means "eye." It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospels during accounts of Jesus healing blind men (Matthew 20:34 and Mark 8:23). In these contexts, it refers to the physical organ of sight that is restored.
While the more common Greek word for eye is ophthalmos, omma has a slightly different flavor. Classical sources note it was often used in poetry or elevated speech. Its presence here might emphasize the tangible, concrete reality of the healing rather than just the abstract concept of vision. The text focuses on the physical restoration of the body.
Translators consistently render omma as "eye." The simplicity of the word matches the directness of Jesus' action. He touches or speaks, and the eye is opened. There is no complex metaphor here; the miracle is visible and immediate. This rare usage highlights the power of Christ to restore physical wholeness in a straightforward manner.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word omma is a simple Greek noun meaning "eye." It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospels during accounts of Jesus healing blind men (Matthew 20:34 and Mark 8:23). In these contexts, it refers to the physical organ of sight that is restored. While the more common Greek word for eye is ophthalmos, omma has a slightly different flavor. Classical sources note it was often used in poetry or elevated speech. Its presence here might emphasize the tangible, concrete reality of the healing rather than just the abstract concept of vision.
The text focuses on the physical restoration of the body. Translators consistently render omma as "eye." The simplicity of the word matches the directness of Jesus' action. He touches or speaks, and the eye is opened. There is no complex metaphor here; the miracle is visible and immediate. This rare usage highlights the power of Christ to restore physical wholeness in a straightforward manner.
For your faith, this reminds us that God cares about our whole selves—body, mind, and spirit. When we face brokenness, whether physical or emotional, we can trust that Jesus sees us and has the power to make things new. His compassion moves Him to act, bringing light where there was darkness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- eyes2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὄμματα1×
- ὀμμάτων1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 20:34
Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed him.
This verse shows Jesus touching their eyes with compassion, resulting in immediate sight and discipleship.
-
Mark 8:23
He took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village. When he had spat on his eyes, and laid his hands on him, he asked him if he saw anything.
Here, the gradual healing process emphasizes the tangible reality of Jesus restoring physical sight through touch and prayer.