Original Word: ὀπτασία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: optasia
Pronunciation: op-tas-ee'-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (op-tas-ee'-ah)
KJV: vision
NASB: vision, visions
Word Origin: [from a presumed derivative of G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι - appearing)]

1. visuality
2. (concretely) an apparition

vision.

From a presumed derivative of optanomai; visuality, i.e. (concretely) an apparition -- vision.

see GREEK optanomai

Cognate: 3701 optasía (a feminine noun derived from 3700 /optánomai "to see") – a vision (spiritual seeing), emphasizing a particular facet (aspect) of a spiritual vision ("seeing"), as defined by the individual context. See 3708 (horaō).

Word Origin
from optazomai (to be seen)
Definition
an appearing
NASB Translation
vision (3), visions (1).

STRONGS NT 3701: ὀπτασία

ὀπτασία, ὀπτασίας, ἡ (ὀπτάζω);

1. the act of exhibiting oneself to view: ὀπτασιαι κυρίου, 2 Corinthians 12:1 (A. V. visions; cf. Meyer at the passage) (ἐν ἡμέραις ὀπτασίας μου, Additions to Esther 4:1, 44 (13) [Esther 4:384:17f]; (cf. Malachi 3:2); ἥλιος ἐν ὀπτασία, coming into view, Sir. 43:2).

2. a sight, a vision, an appearance presented to one whether asleep or awake: οὐρανίῳ ὀπτασία, Acts 26:19; ἑωρακέναι ὀπτασίαν, Luke 1:22; with the genitive of apposition ἀγγέλων, Luke 24:23. A later form for ὄψις (cf. Winers Grammar, 24), Anthol. 6, 210, 6; for מַרְאֶה, (Theod.) Daniel 9:23; Daniel 10:1, 7f.

Definition and Scope

The term designates a supernatural appearance granted by God in waking consciousness. It conveys more than mental imagery; it is an objective disclosure of heavenly reality that breaks into human experience to advance God’s redemptive purposes.

Nature of Divine Visions

Unlike dreams received during sleep, these manifestations occur while the recipient is awake (cf. Luke 1:22). They communicate divine truth with clarity and authority, yet never contradict written Scripture. Throughout biblical history visions authenticated God’s messengers, guided His people, and unveiled aspects of the unfolding plan of salvation.

Occurrences in the New Testament

• Luke 1:22 records Zechariah’s speechless emergence from the sanctuary: “They realized he had seen a vision in the temple.” The vision of the angelic messenger confirmed the soon-coming birth of John the Baptist and re-ignited prophetic expectancy after centuries of apparent silence.
• Luke 24:23 relates the women’s report at the empty tomb: “They came and told us they had seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive.” The testimony underscored that the resurrection was an accomplished fact affirmed by heaven itself.
• Acts 26:19 preserves Paul’s defense before Agrippa: “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” The risen Christ’s appearance on the Damascus road supplied both Paul’s conversion and his apostolic mandate to the Gentiles.
• 2 Corinthians 12:1 introduces Paul’s reluctant account of being “caught up to the third heaven.” His appeal to “visions and revelations of the Lord” illustrates that extraordinary experiences, though genuine, are to serve Christ-exalting ministry rather than personal acclaim.

Significance within Luke–Acts

Luke employs the term twice to highlight pivotal moments at the dawn and climax of the Gospel narrative. In each case the vision verifies divine intervention—first announcing Messiah’s forerunner, then announcing Messiah’s victory over death. Acts continues the motif by portraying Paul’s encounter as a direct extension of the risen Jesus’ activity in the church.

Assurance of the Resurrection

Luke 24:23 links the women’s angelic vision to the empty tomb, presenting a twofold witness: the tangible absence of Jesus’ body and the heavenly declaration, “He is alive.” This marriage of empirical evidence and supernatural revelation grounds Christian hope in historical reality confirmed by divine testimony.

Validation of Apostolic Calling

Paul repeatedly anchors his ministry to the Damascus-road vision (Acts 9; 22; 26). By naming it a “heavenly vision,” he stresses that his authority is derived not from human appointment but from direct encounter with the glorified Lord. The vision’s ethical demand—“not disobedient”—demonstrates that true revelation always calls for obedient response and fruitful service.

Paul’s Revelatory Experiences

In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul balances his extraordinary privileges with the humility produced by a “thorn in the flesh.” Visions were never intended to elevate the recipient above fellow believers but to equip him for sacrificial ministry. By refusing self-glorification, Paul models proper stewardship of revelatory gifts.

Continuity with Old Testament Revelation

Old Covenant prophets—Abraham (Genesis 15:1), Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1)—likewise received visions. The New Testament’s use of the same concept testifies to the unity of God’s revelatory economy: one consistent God speaking through diverse epochs yet centering all revelation on Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2).

Relation to Other Modes of Revelation

Scripture describes several communicative media: dreams, audible voices, angelic visitations, and inward impressions. Visions occupy a unique place, combining sensory perception with spiritual insight. While extraordinary experiences cease with the close of the apostolic era for many interpreters, the principle endures: God makes Himself known and His written Word remains the infallible norm against which all claims must be tested (1 John 4:1).

Pastoral and Practical Implications

1. Obedience: Genuine visions demand submission to God’s revealed will, as exemplified by Zechariah’s faith-formed naming of John and Paul’s lifelong missionary zeal.
2. Encouragement: The resurrection vision encourages believers that death is defeated; hope rests on verified divine disclosure, not wishful thinking.
3. Discernment: Experiences must harmonize with Scripture; sensationalism divorced from biblical truth is counterfeit.
4. Worship: Awareness that God has unveiled heavenly realities calls the church to reverent awe, confidence in prayer, and expectant proclamation of the gospel.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 3701 denotes God-initiated, wakeful visions that authenticate His redemptive actions, commission His servants, and strengthen the faith of His people. In every occurrence the emphasis falls not on the experience itself but on the Lord who speaks and the obedient mission that follows.

οπτασια οπτασία ὀπτασίᾳ οπτασιαν οπτασίαν ὀπτασίαν οπτασιας οπτασίας ὀπτασίας οπτήσαι οπτήσας οπτήσεις οπτήσωμεν ώπτησαν ώπτησεν optasia optasíāi optasian optasían optasias optasíasInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts