The Greek adjective aphantos means invisible or vanished from sight — that which has suddenly disappeared or cannot be seen. A hapax legomenon, appearing only in Luke 24:31 at a pivotal resurrection appearance. It describes the state of complete invisibility following immediate recognition.
Luke 24:31: 'Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he vanished (aphantos) from their sight.' At the very moment the Emmaus disciples recognize the risen Jesus — in the breaking of bread — he becomes aphantos. Recognition and disappearance are simultaneous. The risen Lord's appearances are entirely on his own terms — real but not bound by ordinary physical constraints.