ὅραμα (horama)
horama
vision
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun horama refers to a sight or spectacle, specifically one that is divinely granted rather than casually observed. In the New Testament, it describes supernatural appearances received during sleep or trance states. The sources highlight its use in Acts to recount how God communicated with His servants through these vivid visual encounters.
Its root verb means "to see," but horama emphasizes the object seen as a distinct event. This distinguishes it from ordinary vision; it is something imposed on the viewer by divine initiative. For example, Peter receives a horama in Acts 10:3 while praying, and Paul encounters one in Acts 16:9 that directs his missionary path.
Translators often render this word simply as "vision," which can feel generic. However, the Greek term carries the weight of a dramatic, authoritative display. It underscores that these experiences were not mere dreams but clear, visual revelations intended to guide or confirm God's will for the recipients.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about visions in Acts, it is easy to feel distant from those early believers. Yet the word horama reminds us that God still speaks clearly today. These were not vague feelings but specific, divine instructions that changed history. Peter’s vision opened the door for Gentiles, and Paul’s guided the spread of the Gospel across continents.
You do not need a supernatural sight to know God is guiding you. Often, His voice comes through Scripture, circumstances, or the peace that settles in your heart. Like Cornelius and Paul, we are invited to listen closely when He speaks. This word assures us that our Creator is actively involved in our daily steps.
Trust that He sees your path even when it feels unclear. The same God who gave visions then is faithful now. Rest in the knowledge that you are never walking alone, and His guidance is always sufficient for your journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a vision7×
- vision4×
- vision;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὅραμα6×
- ὁράματι3×
- ὁράματος2×
- ὅραμα·1×
Key Verses
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Acts 10:3
At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius!”
This verse shows Cornelius receiving a clear divine instruction that initiates the Gospel's expansion to the Gentiles.
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Acts 16:9
A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.”
Paul’s vision in Macedonia serves as the pivotal moment redirecting missionary efforts into Europe.
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Acts 10:17
Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate,
Peter’s confusion highlights how visions often require interpretation and obedience to understand God's broader plan.