5326. phantasma

Lexicon

phantasma: Apparition, Ghost

Original Word: φάντασμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: phantasma
Pronunciation: fan'-tas-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (fan'-tas-mah)
Definition: Apparition, Ghost
Meaning: an apparition, ghost, spirit, phantom.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

spirit.

From phantazo; (properly concrete) a (mere) show ("phantasm"), i.e. Spectre -- spirit.

see GREEK phantazo

HELPS Word-studies

5326 phántasma – properly, a manifestation; "an appearance, apparition (so Aesch., etc.)" (A-S).

[5326 (phántasma) originally referred to "seeing" a ghost or apparition.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from phantazó
Definition
an appearance, apparition
NASB Translation
ghost (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5326: φάντασμα

φάντασμα, φαντασματος, τό (φαντάζω), an appearance; specifically, an apparition, spectre: Matthew 14:26; Mark 6:49. (Aeschylus, Euripides, Plato, Dionysius Halicarnassus, Plutarch, others; Wis. 17:14 (15).)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb φαίνω (phaino), meaning "to appear" or "to shine."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φάντασμα, the concept of a spirit or ghostly figure can be loosely associated with Hebrew terms such as רוּחַ (ruach, Strong's H7307), meaning "spirit" or "wind," and אוֹב (ob, Strong's H178), referring to a ghost or spirit of the dead. These terms capture the essence of supernatural or spiritual entities within the Hebrew Scriptures.

Usage: The term φάντασμα is used in the New Testament to describe a supernatural appearance or vision, often perceived as a ghostly figure.

Context: The Greek word φάντασμα appears in the New Testament in the context of supernatural occurrences, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. It is used to describe the disciples' reaction when they see Jesus walking on the water, as they initially mistake Him for a ghostly apparition.

In Matthew 14:26 (BSB), the passage reads: "When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. 'It is a ghost!' they said, and they cried out in fear." Similarly, in Mark 6:49 (BSB), it states: "But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost, and they cried out."

The use of φάντασμα in these passages highlights the disciples' fear and misunderstanding of the miraculous event they were witnessing. Their initial reaction reflects a common human response to the unknown or unexplained, interpreting it as a ghostly presence. This term underscores the extraordinary nature of Jesus' actions and the disciples' struggle to comprehend His divine power.

The concept of a φάντασμα in the biblical context is not merely about fear of the supernatural but also serves to emphasize the reality of Jesus' physical presence and authority over nature. The narrative ultimately reassures the disciples—and the readers—of Jesus' identity and His ability to transcend natural laws.

Forms and Transliterations

Φαντασμα φάντασμα Φάντασμά Phantasma Phántasmá

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 14:26 N-NNS
GRK: λέγοντες ὅτι Φάντασμά ἐστιν καὶ
NAS: and said, It is a ghost! And they cried
KJV: It is a spirit; and
INT: saying a ghost it is And

Mark 6:49 N-NNS
GRK: ἔδοξαν ὅτι φάντασμά ἐστιν καὶ
NAS: they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried
KJV: it had been a spirit, and
INT: they thought that a ghost [it] is and

Strong's Greek 5326
2 Occurrences

Φάντασμά — 2 Occ.