ὀπτασία (optasia)
optasia
vision
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun optasia refers to a vision or a supernatural appearance presented to the senses. It is a later form of the more common wordopsis, appearing only four times in the New Testament. The term describes a sight that comes into view, whether experienced while awake or asleep.
Scripture uses this specific word to describe profound spiritual encounters. In Luke 1:22, Zechariah emerges from the temple unable to speak because he has seen an optasia of the angel Gabriel. Similarly, in Acts 26:19, Paul states that his ministry is based on what he saw in such visions. The term carries a weight of divine revelation rather than ordinary sight.
Its etymology connects it to the act of seeing or exhibiting oneself. By choosing optasia over other words for sight, the biblical authors emphasize the external and often startling nature of these experiences. It marks a moment where the divine breaks into human perception, leaving the observer with a message that cannot be ignored.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word optasia describes a vision that breaks into our ordinary reality, often leaving us speechless or deeply moved. When Zechariah saw this in Luke 1:22, he could not speak to the people waiting outside. This suggests that divine encounters are not always comfortable or easily explained. They can leave us with more awe than words, reminding us that God’s presence is greater than our ability to describe it.
In Acts 26:19, Paul connects his entire ministry to being obedient to such a heavenly vision. This shows that these moments are not just for personal comfort but often carry a call to action. We may experience moments where we feel guided by something beyond ourselves. These instances invite us to listen closely and respond with faith, trusting that the source of the vision is reliable.
Whether in the silence of Zechariah or the boldness of Paul, optasia points to God initiating contact. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. The divine often speaks in ways that transcend our normal understanding, offering clarity and direction when we need it most.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a vision2×
- visions1×
- vision,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀπτασίαν2×
- ὀπτασίᾳ,1×
- ὀπτασίας1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:22
When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.
This verse highlights the overwhelming nature of the vision, as Zechariah’s encounter with Gabriel leaves him mute and unable to speak to those waiting outside.
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Acts 26:19
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
Paul uses this term to emphasize that his ministry was not self-directed but was a direct response to obedience to a divine revelation.
-
Luke 24:23
and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
The women’s report of seeing angels in a vision serves as the initial, though confused, witness to the reality of the empty tomb.