Lexical Summary optasia: Vision, appearance Original Word: ὀπτασία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance vision. From a presumed derivative of optanomai; visuality, i.e. (concretely) an apparition -- vision. see GREEK optanomai HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3701 optasía (a feminine noun derived from 3700 /optánomai "to see") – a vision (spiritual seeing), emphasizing a particular facet (aspect) of a spiritual vision ("seeing"), as defined by the individual context. See 3708 (horaō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom optazomai (to be seen) Definition an appearing NASB Translation vision (3), visions (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3701: ὀπτασίαὀπτασία, ὀπτασίας, ἡ (ὀπτάζω); 1. the act of exhibiting oneself to view: ὀπτασιαι κυρίου, 2 Corinthians 12:1 (A. V. visions; cf. Meyer at the passage) (ἐν ἡμέραις ὀπτασίας μου, Additions to Esther 4:1, 44 (13) 2. a sight, a vision, an appearance presented to one whether asleep or awake: οὐρανίῳ ὀπτασία, Acts 26:19; ἑωρακέναι ὀπτασίαν, Luke 1:22; with the genitive of apposition ἀγγέλων, Luke 24:23. A later form for ὄψις (cf. Winers Grammar, 24), Anthol. 6, 210, 6; for מַרְאֶה, (Theod.) Daniel 9:23; Daniel 10:1, 7f. The term designates a supernatural appearance granted by God in waking consciousness. It conveys more than mental imagery; it is an objective disclosure of heavenly reality that breaks into human experience to advance God’s redemptive purposes. Nature of Divine Visions Unlike dreams received during sleep, these manifestations occur while the recipient is awake (cf. Luke 1:22). They communicate divine truth with clarity and authority, yet never contradict written Scripture. Throughout biblical history visions authenticated God’s messengers, guided His people, and unveiled aspects of the unfolding plan of salvation. Occurrences in the New Testament • Luke 1:22 records Zechariah’s speechless emergence from the sanctuary: “They realized he had seen a vision in the temple.” The vision of the angelic messenger confirmed the soon-coming birth of John the Baptist and re-ignited prophetic expectancy after centuries of apparent silence. Significance within Luke–Acts Luke employs the term twice to highlight pivotal moments at the dawn and climax of the Gospel narrative. In each case the vision verifies divine intervention—first announcing Messiah’s forerunner, then announcing Messiah’s victory over death. Acts continues the motif by portraying Paul’s encounter as a direct extension of the risen Jesus’ activity in the church. Assurance of the Resurrection Luke 24:23 links the women’s angelic vision to the empty tomb, presenting a twofold witness: the tangible absence of Jesus’ body and the heavenly declaration, “He is alive.” This marriage of empirical evidence and supernatural revelation grounds Christian hope in historical reality confirmed by divine testimony. Validation of Apostolic Calling Paul repeatedly anchors his ministry to the Damascus-road vision (Acts 9; 22; 26). By naming it a “heavenly vision,” he stresses that his authority is derived not from human appointment but from direct encounter with the glorified Lord. The vision’s ethical demand—“not disobedient”—demonstrates that true revelation always calls for obedient response and fruitful service. Paul’s Revelatory Experiences In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul balances his extraordinary privileges with the humility produced by a “thorn in the flesh.” Visions were never intended to elevate the recipient above fellow believers but to equip him for sacrificial ministry. By refusing self-glorification, Paul models proper stewardship of revelatory gifts. Continuity with Old Testament Revelation Old Covenant prophets—Abraham (Genesis 15:1), Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1)—likewise received visions. The New Testament’s use of the same concept testifies to the unity of God’s revelatory economy: one consistent God speaking through diverse epochs yet centering all revelation on Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). Relation to Other Modes of Revelation Scripture describes several communicative media: dreams, audible voices, angelic visitations, and inward impressions. Visions occupy a unique place, combining sensory perception with spiritual insight. While extraordinary experiences cease with the close of the apostolic era for many interpreters, the principle endures: God makes Himself known and His written Word remains the infallible norm against which all claims must be tested (1 John 4:1). Pastoral and Practical Implications 1. Obedience: Genuine visions demand submission to God’s revealed will, as exemplified by Zechariah’s faith-formed naming of John and Paul’s lifelong missionary zeal. Summary Strong’s Greek 3701 denotes God-initiated, wakeful visions that authenticate His redemptive actions, commission His servants, and strengthen the faith of His people. In every occurrence the emphasis falls not on the experience itself but on the Lord who speaks and the obedient mission that follows. Englishman's Concordance Luke 1:22 N-AFSGRK: ἐπέγνωσαν ὅτι ὀπτασίαν ἑώρακεν ἐν NAS: that he had seen a vision in the temple; KJV: he had seen a vision in INT: they recognized that a vision he has seen in Luke 24:23 N-AFS Acts 26:19 N-DFS 2 Corinthians 12:1 N-AFP Strong's Greek 3701 |
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