Original Word: ἐμβλέπω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: emblepó
Pronunciation: em-blep'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (em-blep'-o)
KJV: behold, gaze up, look upon, (could) see
NASB: looked, looking, look, see
Word Origin: [from G1722 (ἔν - among) and G991 (βλέπω - see)]

1. to look on
2. (relatively) to observe fixedly
3. (absolutely) to discern clearly

behold, gaze up, look upon

From en and blepo; to look on, i.e. (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly -- behold, gaze up, look upon, (could) see.

see GREEK en

see GREEK blepo

1689 emblépō (from 1722 /en, "engaged in" and 991 /blépō, "look") – properly, stare (look) at with a "locked-in gaze"; look at in a sustained, concentrated way, i.e. with special "interest, love or concern" (DNTT, 3, 519).

Word Origin
from en and blepó
Definition
to look at, fig. to consider
NASB Translation
look (1), looked (5), looking (3), see (1).

STRONGS NT 1689: ἐμβλέπω

ἐμβλέπω (see ἐν, III. 3); imperfect ἐνέβλεπον; 1 aorist ἐνεβλεψα, participle ἐμβλέψας; to turn one's eyes on; look at;

1. properly: with the accusative Mark 8:25 (Auth. 11, 3; the Sept. Judges 16:27 (Alex.)); τίνι (Plato, rep. 10, 608 d.; Polybius 15, 28, 3, and elsewhere), Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:21, 27; Mark 14:67; Luke 20:17; Luke 22:61; John 1:36, 42 (43) (in all these passages ἐμβλέψας αὐτῷ or αὐτοῖς λέγει or εἶπεν, cf. Xenophon, Cyril 1, 3, 2 ἐμβλέπων αὐτῷ ἔλεγεν) εἰς τόν οὐρανόν Acts 1:11 R G L (εἰς τήν γῆν, Isaiah 5:30; Isaiah 8:22; εἰς ὀφθαλμόν, Plato, Alc. 1, p. 132 e.). Absol., οὐκ ἐνέβλεπον, I beheld not, i. e. the power of looking upon (namely, surrounding objects) was taken away from me, Acts 22:11 (Tr marginal reading WH marginal reading ἔβλεπον) (2 Chronicles 20:24 (Ald.); Xenophon, mem. 3, 11, 10).

2. figuratively, to look at with the mind, to consider: Matthew 6:26 (Isaiah 51:1f; Sir. 2:10 Sir. 36:15 (); with the accusative only, Isaiah 5:12; with the dative, 2 Macc. 12:45).

Overview

The verb translated “look intently” or “fix one’s gaze” appears twelve times in the New Testament. It regularly marks a moment of spiritual weight: a command to perceive God’s provision, a compassionate glance of Christ that pierces the heart, an arresting stare that convicts of sin, or an upward gaze that anticipates the Lord’s return. Each occurrence underscores that seeing rightly is indispensable to faith and obedience.

Semantic Nuances of the Verb

Unlike the more common βλέπω (“see”) or θεωρέω (“observe”), this verb conveys deliberate focus. It implies pausing, weighing, and discerning—whether a disciple is urged to contemplate creation (Matthew 6:26) or the Risen Christ gazes upon Peter (Luke 22:61). It is vision that goes beneath surfaces and elicits response.

Occurrences in Gospel Narratives

1. Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:21, Mark 10:27)

His searching look precedes both an invitation and a challenge. “Jesus looked at him, loved him” (Mark 10:21). The gaze communicates affection while exposing idolatry, and it frames the declaration that “with God all things are possible.”

2. Healing at Bethsaida (Mark 8:25)

The formerly blind man “looked intently” and was fully restored. Sight follows touch, illustrating progressive illumination and the necessity of Christ’s continuing work to bring clarity.

3. The Naming of Peter (John 1:42)

Jesus fixes His eyes on Simon before pronouncing a new identity. The look conveys sovereign authority and purpose, linking divine foreknowledge with personal calling.

4. John the Baptist’s Witness (John 1:36)

As John “looked at Jesus walking by,” he announces, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The prophet’s steady gaze recognizes the fulfillment of promise and directs others to Him.

5. Teaching on Providence (Matthew 6:26)

“Look at the birds of the air…”—a summons to thoughtful contemplation of everyday evidence that the Father cares for His children.

Moments of Conviction and Restoration

• Peter’s Denial and the Lord’s Look (Luke 22:61)

“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” The silent meeting of eyes convicts, but it also preserves Peter for future restoration (John 21).
• The High Priest’s Courtyard (Mark 14:67)

The servant girl’s fixed stare identifies Peter, precipitating his denial. A misdirected gaze here contrasts with Christ’s redemptive one.

Early Church Perspective

• Ascension Hope (Acts 1:11)

While the apostles were “looking intently into the sky,” angels redirect their focus from the departing cloud to the promised return, grounding mission in eschatological expectation.
• Paul’s Temporary Blindness (Acts 22:11)

After the Damascus encounter Paul “could not see” (lit. “was not looking”) because of the glory’s brilliance. Human sight fails before divine revelation, preparing him for Spirit-given vision.

Teaching and Discipleship

The imperative form (Matthew 6:26) calls believers to cultivate an examined life that observes creation, history, and Scripture through the lens of God’s faithfulness. Disciples learn to look beyond circumstances to the character of God.

Theological Reflections

1. Divine Initiative: Christ’s gaze often precedes human response, illustrating prevenient grace.
2. Human Responsibility: The command to look means faith is not passive; redeemed eyes must focus where God directs.
3. Eschatological Orientation: Followers are to keep watching—first for present evidences of care, finally for the returning King.

Ministry and Devotional Application

• Shepherding: Pastors emulate Jesus’ discerning look, seeing people with compassion and truth.
• Evangelism: Like John the Baptist, believers point others to Christ by fixing their own gaze upon Him.
• Personal Worship: Meditating on creation and Scripture helps replace anxious glances at need with confident trust in the Father.

Historical and Cultural Notes

In Greco-Roman rhetoric, a penetrating gaze symbolized authority and sincerity; in Jewish thought, the eyes could bless or curse (Proverbs 23:6). The New Testament writers harness these associations, presenting Christ’s look as both royal verdict and priestly blessing.

Related Greek Vocabulary

θεωρέω – prolonged observing of events; often detached.

βλέπω – general seeing; physical perception.

ὁράω – broader term for seeing/understanding.

The verb under study intensifies these concepts by adding intent focus.

Summary

Through twelve strategic appearances, this verb frames moments when outer sight intersects inner revelation. Whether summoning trust, imparting identity, or unveiling sin, it shows that the Lord who “looks on the heart” also calls His people to look—steadily, thoughtfully, and expectantly—until faith becomes sight.

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