"a sight; the face, countenance, Jn. 11:44; Rev. 1:16; external appearance, Jn. 7:24*"
Definition and meaning
a sight; the face, countenance, Jn. 11:44; Rev. 1:16; external appearance, Jn. 7:24*
In the original Greek the word is written: ὄψις
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
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 opsis (G3799) across the King James Bible.
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
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Common questions
Strong's G3799 (opsis) is a Greek word that means: a sight; the face, countenance, Jn. 11:44; Rev. 1:16; external appearance, Jn. 7:24* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word opsis (G3799) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3799 is opsis, a Greek word defined as: a sight; the face, countenance, Jn. 11:44; Rev. 1:16; external appearance, Jn. 7:24*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
opsis is a Greek word found in the New Testament.