Lexical Summary horama: Vision Original Word: ὅραμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sight, vision. From horao; something gazed at, i.e. A spectacle (especially supernatural) -- sight, vision. see GREEK horao HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3705 hórama (a neuter noun derived from 3708 /horáō, "to see, spiritual and mentally") – a vision (spiritual seeing), focusing on the impact it has on the one beholding the vision (spiritual seeing). See 3708 (horaō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom horaó Definition that which is seen NASB Translation sight (1), vision (11). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3705: ὅραμαὅραμα, ὁράματος, τό (ὁράω), that which is seen, a sight, spectacle: Acts 7:31; Matthew 17:9; a sight divinely granted in an ecstasy or in sleep, a vision, Acts 10:17, 19; δἰ ὁράματος, Acts 18:9; ἐν ὁράματι, Acts 9:10, 12 (R G); Topical Lexicon Concept and ScopeὍραμα refers to a divinely granted “vision,” an objective, God-initiated disclosure perceived by the human recipient with the purpose of revealing truth, directing mission, or authenticating divine action. In Scripture these visions never stand alone; they are woven into the larger fabric of redemptive history, consistently harmonizing with previous revelation and propelling the gospel forward. Occurrences and Narrative Function 1. Jesus and the Three Disciples (Matthew 17:9) After witnessing the Transfiguration, the disciples are instructed, “Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead” (Berean Standard Bible). Here the ὅραμα seals Jesus’ divine identity while safeguarding the mystery of the resurrection. 2. Moses before the Burning Bush (Acts 7:31) Stephen recounts Israel’s formative encounter: “When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight.” The word accents the irresistible draw of God’s holiness, validating Stephen’s charge that Israel’s history is filled with supernatural summons yet often met with unbelief. 3. Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10:3, Acts 10:17, Acts 10:19; Acts 11:5) Cornelius receives a vision announcing divine favor; Peter’s corresponding vision dismantles ceremonial barriers. The double use of Ὅραμα establishes an unassailable linkage between Jew and Gentile within God’s saving plan, a truth reinforced when Peter testifies, “I saw in the city of Joppa… a great sheet coming down” (Acts 11:5). 4. Miraculous Escape of Peter (Acts 12:9) While escorted past iron gates and guards, Peter “did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.” The episode underscores that even seasoned apostles distinguish between perceived and tangible realities, yet both are orchestrated by the same sovereign Lord. 5. Ananias and Saul (Acts 9:10, Acts 9:12) In Damascus “the Lord said to a disciple named Ananias in a vision,” while Saul simultaneously “has seen in a vision a man named Ananias.” Converging visions converge two lives, turning a persecutor into a preacher and a cautious believer into a courageous servant. 6. The Macedonian Call (Acts 16:9-10) “During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia… ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” Luke immediately concludes that God has “called us to preach the gospel to them.” The Ὅραμα provides strategic redirection, ushering the gospel onto European soil. 7. Encouragement in Corinth (Acts 18:9) Amid opposition the Lord reassures Paul: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.” This nocturnal vision sustains long-term ministry by replacing fear with certainty of divine presence. Historical Context Second-Temple Judaism expected revelatory experiences, but New Testament visions differ in clarity and Christ-centered content. Whereas apocalyptic literature often emphasizes symbolism, each New Testament Ὅραμα yields actionable guidance rooted in the already-revealed gospel. Doctrinal Themes • Continuity of Revelation: Every vision aligns with prior Scripture and advances the redemptive storyline without contradiction. Pastoral and Ministry Significance 1. Guidance: Leaders today seek direction; Scripture models that God can guide, yet modern impressions must be weighed against canonical truth. Relationship to Other Revelatory Terms While ὅραμα stresses the visionary medium, ὄπτασία (vision/apparition) and ἀποκάλυψις (unveiling) highlight appearance and disclosure respectively. All three serve one Author, the Spirit, who never contradicts Himself. Conclusion The twelve occurrences of ὅραμα in the New Testament reveal a God who speaks, guides, and comforts through visions that consistently uphold and extend His written revelation. Far from esoteric experiences, these visions fuel the unfolding mission of Christ, inviting every generation to listen, discern, and obey. Forms and Transliterations οραμα όραμα ὅραμα οράμασι οράμασί οράματα οραματι οράματι οράματί ὁράματι οραματος οράματος οράματός ὁράματος οραμάτων horama hórama horamati horámati horamatos horámatos orama oramati oramatosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 17:9 N-ANSGRK: εἴπητε τὸ ὅραμα ἕως οὗ NAS: them, saying, Tell the vision to no one KJV: Tell the vision to no man, INT: tell the vision until that Acts 7:31 N-ANS Acts 9:10 N-DNS Acts 9:12 N-DNS Acts 10:3 N-DNS Acts 10:17 N-NNS Acts 10:19 N-GNS Acts 11:5 N-ANS Acts 12:9 N-ANS Acts 16:9 N-NNS Acts 16:10 N-ANS Acts 18:9 N-GNS Strong's Greek 3705 |
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