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G1689 · Greek · New Testament
ἐμβλέπω
emblepō
Verb
To Look Intently / To Gaze Upon / To See Clearly

Definition

Emblepō (ἐμβλέπω, G1689) means to look directly at, to gaze intently, to fix one's eyes upon, to see clearly. From en (in/into) + blepō (to see/look). It appears notably in Mark 10:21 ('Jesus looked at him and loved him'), Mark 10:27 ('Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God"'), John 1:36,42 (Jesus looking at John's disciples; Jesus looking at Simon Peter), and Acts 22:11.

Usage & Theological Significance

Emblepō carries the sense of penetrating, intentional seeing — not a casual glance but a sustained, probing gaze. The most theologically loaded use is Mark 10:21: 'Jesus looked at him and loved him.' This is the rich young ruler, who despite his moral failures and ultimate refusal, is the recipient of Jesus' direct, loving gaze. Jesus saw him completely — his achievements, his attachments, his limitations — and loved him fully. This is the gaze of divine omniscience combined with agape love. John 1:42 presents another moment: Jesus emblepō-s at Simon and immediately gives him a new name — 'You will be called Cephas (Peter).' The gaze of Jesus is transformative: He sees not only who you are but who you are becoming. To be seen by Jesus is to be simultaneously known and re-named.

Key Bible Verses

Mark 10:21 Jesus looked at (emblepsas) him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said.
Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at (emblepsas) them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'
John 1:42 Jesus looked at (emblepsas) him and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter).
Acts 22:11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

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