"to look attentively, gaze earnestly, at an object, followed by εἰς, Mk. 6:26; Acts 1:11; to direct a glance, to look searchingly or significantly, at a person, followed by the dat., Mk. 10:21; 14:67; Lk. 22:61; absol. to see clearly, Mk. 8:25; Acts 22:11"
Definition and meaning
to look attentively, gaze earnestly, at an object, followed by εἰς, Mk. 6:26; Acts 1:11; to direct a glance, to look searchingly or significantly, at a person, followed by the dat., Mk. 10:21; 14:67; Lk. 22:61; absol. to see clearly, Mk. 8:25; Acts 22:11
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐμβλέπω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of emblepo (G1689) across the King James Bible.
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
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Common questions
Strong's G1689 (emblepo) is a Greek word that means: to look attentively, gaze earnestly, at an object, followed by εἰς, Mk. 6:26; Acts 1:11; to direct a glance, to look searchingly or significantly, at a person, followed by the dat., Mk. 10:21; 14:67; ... It appears 12 times in the King James Bible.
The word emblepo (G1689) appears 12 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1689 is emblepo, a Greek word defined as: to look attentively, gaze earnestly, at an object, followed by εἰς, Mk. 6:26; Acts 1:11; to direct a glance, to look searchingly or significantly, at . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
emblepo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.