Original Word: διαβλέπω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: diablepó
Pronunciation: dee-ab-lep'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ab-lep'-o)
KJV: see clearly
NASB: see clearly, looked intently, see
Word Origin: [from G1223 (διά - through) and G991 (βλέπω - see)]

1. to look through, i.e. recover full vision

see clearly.

From dia and blepo; to look through, i.e. Recover full vision -- see clearly.

see GREEK dia

see GREEK blepo

1227 diablépō (from 1223 /diá, "through, thoroughly," which intensifies 991 /blépō, "to see") – properly, see through (i.e. clearly); (figuratively) to see accurately, comprehending the spiritual (moral) meaning behind the physical sight – i.e. "looking through, penetrating" (WP, 1, 60; note the force of the prefix, dia).

Word Origin
from dia and blepó
Definition
to look through, to see clearly
NASB Translation
looked intently (1), see (1), see clearly (2).

STRONGS NT 1227: διαβλέπω

διαβλέπω: future διαβλεψω; 1 aorist διεβλεψα; to look through, penetrate by vision;

a. to look fixedly, stare straight before one (Plato, Phaedo, p. 86 d.): διεβλεψε, of a blind man recovering sight, Mark 8:25 T WH Tr text (some refer this to b.).

b. to see clearly: followed by an infinitive expressing the purpose, Matthew 7:5; Luke 6:42. (Aristotle, Plutarch)

Overview

Strong’s Greek 1227 names the decisive transition from blurred or blocked vision to unmistakable sight. Scripture employs the term for both literal eyesight restored by divine power and the figurative perception required for righteous judgment and discipleship.

Scriptural Settings

• Matthew 7:5 and Luke 6:42 place the word on Jesus’ lips within His teaching on hypocrisy. The Lord pictures a man eager to remove a “speck” from another’s eye while ignorant of the “beam” in his own. Only after honest self-examination “will you see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).
• Mark 8:25 stands alone as a narrative use. Jesus touches the eyes of the man from Bethsaida, “and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly”. The miracle forms a living parable: disciples who have only partial understanding (Mark 8:17-21) will come, by the continuing touch of Christ, to perceive Him rightly.

Themes and Theology

1. Spiritual perception flows from divine initiative. In every passage, clear sight follows an action by Christ—whether His physical touch or His ethical summons to repentance.
2. True discernment begins with humility. The beam–speck contrast teaches that personal sin clouds judgment. Removing the obstruction through repentance precedes effective ministry to others.
3. Restoration is holistic. The blind man’s newfound clarity is not merely biological; it validates Jesus as Messiah and readies the man for full participation in community life and discipleship.
4. Clarity serves mission. Once vision is granted, the recipient is expected to act—either by correcting a brother in love (Matthew 7, Luke 6) or by becoming a witness to Christ’s restorative power (Mark 8).

Historical and Pastoral Insight

Early church teachers recognized the dual nature of the term. Chrysostom highlighted the moral lesson of self-purification, while Irenaeus cited the Bethsaida healing to affirm the Incarnation’s tangible compassion. Throughout Christian history, the word has encouraged self-scrutiny among leaders, reminding them that doctrinal accuracy and personal holiness are inseparable.

Practical Ministry Application

• Self-examination: Pastors and lay believers alike must confront personal “beams” before addressing faults in others, guarding ministries from hypocrisy.
• Counseling and restoration: The term authorizes gentle correction after repentance has sharpened one’s own vision.
• Intercession: Like the blind man, many need a second “touch” from Christ; prayer persists until clarity comes.
• Evangelism: Testimonies of lives brought from darkness into light echo Mark 8:25 and invite hearers to the same experience.

Related Concepts

Sight and blindness (Isaiah 42:6-7; John 9), discernment (Philippians 1:9-10), hypocrisy (Romans 2:1-3), repentance (Acts 3:19).

Summary

Strong’s 1227 underscores that clear vision—physical or spiritual—is a gracious gift that equips believers for humble service, accurate discernment, and faithful witness to the One who opens every eye.

διαβλεψεις διαβλέψεις διαβοήσετε διαβολήν διαβολής διεβλεψεν διέβλεψεν διεβοήθη diablepseis diablépseis dieblepsen diéblepsenInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts