ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai)
optanomai
to appear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 53 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb optanomai describes a visible appearance, often with an emphasis on being seen or allowing oneself to be seen by others. In the New Testament, it frequently marks moments where divine presence becomes tangible, such as when Moses encounters the burning bush in Acts 7:30 or when angels appear to shepherds in Luke 1:11. The word carries a sense of remarkable visibility, distinguishing it from ordinary looking.
Its usage highlights a shift from passive observation to active manifestation. Unlike words that simply denote seeing, optanomai often implies an event that demands attention, as seen when Jesus’ transfigured face shines in Matthew 17:3. The term appears in contexts of revelation, bridging the gap between the unseen and the visible world.
Translators typically render optanomai as "appear" or "shew self," capturing its focus on the subject becoming visible rather than the act of seeing. This nuance is crucial in passages like Acts 1:3, where the risen Christ appears to his disciples over forty days, emphasizing his physical presence after the resurrection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word optanomai points to moments when the invisible world steps into our visible reality. It is not about human effort to find God, but about God choosing to make Himself known. This active manifestation reminds us that we are not left in darkness without guidance or comfort.
In Luke 1:11, an angel appears to Zechariah, marking a significant shift from silence to divine communication. Similarly, Jesus promises His disciples they will see Him again after His resurrection (Matthew 28:7). These appearances bridge the gap between our limited understanding and God's eternal plan.
When life feels uncertain, this word offers assurance that God remains present. He reveals Himself in ways that sustain faith during difficult seasons. You can trust that His presence is real and accessible, even when circumstances seem hidden or unclear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 53 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will behold8×
- appeared6×
- will behold5×
- He appeared4×
- you will behold.3×
- they will behold3×
- having appeared3×
- will they behold2×
- Appeared2×
- you will behold [it].1×
- you may behold1×
- will you behold1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὤφθη15×
- ὄψονται7×
- ὄψεσθε6×
- ὄψεται4×
- ὄψεσθέ3×
- ὄψονται.¶2×
- ὄψεσθε.¶2×
- ὄψεσθε.2×
- Ὤφθη1×
- ὤφθησαν1×
- ὤφθην1×
- ὤφθη·1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:11
An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
The angel's appearance marks the divine interruption of Zechariah's routine, signaling the start of a new era in salvation history.
-
Matthew 28:7
Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
Jesus uses this term to confirm His physical resurrection and direct the women to meet Him in Galilee, validating His promise.
-
Luke 24:34
saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”
The disciples report that the Lord has appeared to Simon, providing early evidence of the resurrection to the growing community.
-
John 16:16
“A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me.”
Jesus predicts His brief absence and subsequent reappearance, preparing His followers for the transition from His physical presence to spiritual reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does optanomai mean in the New Testament?
How is optanomai different from other words for seeing?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (53 verses across 11 books)
Matthew 7 verses
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 17:3Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
Matthew 24:30and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will…
Matthew 26:64Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the…
Matthew 27:24So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed…
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 28:10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will…