φαντάζω (phantazō)
phantazō
to make visible
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phantazō means to cause something to become visible or to show it in a clear appearance. Its root connects to the idea of making sight possible, moving an object from hiddenness into open view. In classical Greek, it often appeared in the passive voice to describe something simply appearing, but in the New Testament, it carries this active sense of revealing.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 12:21. The author uses it to describe the terrifying scene at Mount Sinai, where the people saw such a visible manifestation of God’s presence that they trembled. The description emphasizes the raw, undeniable nature of what was shown, highlighting the awe and fear that accompanied the direct exposure to divine power.
Translators typically render this single occurrence as "appeared" or "seen," focusing on the visual impact rather than a spiritual interpretation. The word underscores the physical reality of the revelation at Sinai, contrasting it with the unseen heavenly realities believers now approach. It serves as a vivid marker of the old covenant’s visible intensity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phantazō describes a moment when something hidden is suddenly made visible. In Hebrews 12:21, it paints the scene at Mount Sinai where God’s presence was so intense that even Moses trembled. This was not a gentle whisper but a raw, undeniable display of divine power that demanded awe and respect.
For your faith, this word offers a contrast between fear and grace. The old covenant came with visible signs that inspired terror, but the new covenant invites you into a relationship built on trust rather than dread. You do not need to approach God with the same shaking fear, because Jesus has opened a way to draw near with confidence.
When you feel overwhelmed by the holiness of God, remember that this visibility was temporary. Now, through Christ, you are invited to rest in His presence without the paralyzing fear that once defined the encounter at Sinai.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- appearing [that]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φανταζόμενον,1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 12:21
So fearful was the appearance that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.”
This verse uses phantazō to describe the terrifying visual manifestation of God's presence at Sinai, highlighting the awe that accompanied the old covenant.