Lexical Summary phantasma: Apparition, Ghost Original Word: φάντασμα 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 Originfrom phantazó Definition an appearance, apparition NASB Translation ghost (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5326: φάντασμαφάντασμα, 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 Term and Biblical Occurrences The Greek expression rendered “ghost” or “apparition” appears twice in the New Testament: Matthew 14:26 and Mark 6:49. In both narratives the disciples see Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee at night and, overwhelmed by fear, misidentify Him as a frightening apparition. Historical Background and Cultural Understanding First-century Judaism did not cultivate the same elaborate demonology or ghost lore found in surrounding pagan cultures, yet popular beliefs about spirits of the departed and nocturnal specters were still common. Greco-Roman literature used the term for phantoms that were often malevolent or at least unsettling. Against that backdrop, the disciples’ reaction reflects ordinary human terror shaped by the era’s cultural assumptions: night, storm, and unexplained phenomena were naturally linked with the supernatural. Narrative Function in the Gospels 1. Revelation of Jesus’ Identity: The misidentification heightens the impact of Jesus’ self-disclosure—“Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). The contrast between their fear of a supposed apparition and the reality of the incarnate Son underscores His authority over nature and the unseen realm. Theological Significance • Authority over Fear: Scripture consistently counters the human impulse to shrink from the unseen by revealing God’s dominion over every realm (Psalm 27:1; Hebrews 2:14-15). The episodes demonstrate that believers need not fear supernatural evil when Christ is present. Pastoral and Discipleship Lessons 1. Spiritual Perception Requires Faith: Circumstances can distort sight; faith attunes the believer to perceive Christ’s nearness even amid chaos. Comparative References • Job 4:13-16 portrays Eliphaz’s unsettling night vision, illustrating ancient awareness of terrifying apparitions. Ministry Application Christ’s conquest of the disciples’ fear invites modern believers to move from superstition or anxiety toward steadfast trust. Gospel proclamation centers on the tangible Lord who conquered nature, death, and every spiritual foe. In pastoral care, the passage encourages shepherds to lead congregations from fearful imaginations to Christ-focused reality, reminding them, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Forms and Transliterations Φαντασμα φάντασμα Φάντασμά Phantasma PhántasmáLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 14:26 N-NNSGRK: 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 |
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