φαντασία (phantasia)
phantasia
pageantry
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phantasia refers to a striking visual display or showy appearance. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Acts 25:23, it describes the elaborate pageantry surrounding King Agrippa’s visit to Caesarea. The text highlights the pomp and grandeur of the royal court, emphasizing the impressive spectacle intended to awe visitors.
While later philosophical writers used the term for imagination or mental images, the biblical usage here is concrete and external. It points to the visible splendor of a public event rather than internal thought. Translators often render it as "pageantry" or "display" to capture this sense of ceremonial magnificence.
The word derives from a root meaning to appear or seem visible. Its use in Acts underscores the contrast between earthly royal glory and the spiritual authority of the gospel message presented before such an audience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word phantasia describes a striking visual display or showy appearance. In Acts 25:23, it captures the elaborate pageantry surrounding King Agrippa’s visit to Caesarea. The text highlights the pomp and grandeur of the royal court, emphasizing the impressive spectacle intended to awe visitors.
This concrete usage points to visible splendor rather than internal thought. It underscores the contrast between earthly royal glory and the spiritual authority of the gospel message presented before such an audience. While later writers used the term for imagination, here it grounds us in the reality of public power.
For your faith, this reminds us that human systems of status and display are temporary. The gospel stands firm regardless of the surrounding pageantry. We find peace knowing that true authority does not rely on grand displays but on the truth of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pomp1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φαντασίας1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 25:23
So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers and the principal men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
This verse uses phantasia to describe the great pomp surrounding Agrippa, highlighting the visual contrast between earthly royal power and the spiritual truth Paul was about to proclaim.