"to be seen, appear, Acts 1:3*"
Definition and meaning
to be seen, appear, Acts 1:3*
In the original Greek the word is written: ὀπτάνομαι
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 optanomai (G3700) across the King James Bible.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
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Common questions
Strong's G3700 (optanomai) is a Greek word that means: to be seen, appear, Acts 1:3* It appears 57 times in the King James Bible.
The word optanomai (G3700) appears 57 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3700 is optanomai, a Greek word defined as: to be seen, appear, Acts 1:3*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
optanomai is a Greek word found in the New Testament.