ἔσοπτρον
a mirror
Definition
ἔσοπτρον refers to a mirror, specifically a polished metal surface used for reflection in the ancient world. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to illustrate spiritual realities. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul uses it to describe our current, indirect, and imperfect knowledge of God, which will one day become direct and clear ('face to face'). In James 1:23, the mirror represents the word of God, which a person can hear but fail to act upon, like someone who looks at their reflection and immediately forgets what they look like.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in metaphorical comparisons. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, it illustrates the nature of present spiritual knowledge. In James 1:23, it serves as an analogy for someone who hears scripture but does not obey it. Both uses are in epistles addressing practical Christian living and understanding.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek prefix ἐν- (en-, 'in') and the root ὄπτομαι (optomai, 'to look at, to see'), meaning literally 'something to look into.' It is related to the English word 'optical.' The term specifically denotes a reflective surface for viewing oneself.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant for its role in two key metaphors about revelation and response. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, it anchors the doctrine of our limited present knowledge compared to the perfect understanding we will have in eternity. In James 1:23-24, it is central to the teaching on the necessity of being 'doers of the word, and not hearers only,' highlighting the transformative purpose of scripture. Understanding the imperfect, reflective quality of ancient mirrors deepens the contrast Paul and James intend.
Ancient mirrors were not made of glass but were highly polished plates of bronze, copper, or silver. Their reflections were often dim, distorted, and unclear compared to modern glass mirrors. This cultural fact is essential for understanding the biblical metaphors; the 'imperfect' or 'obscure' reflection (1 Corinthians 13:12) was a direct experience for the original readers, making the spiritual point about limited knowledge more vivid.
κάτοπτρον (katoptron, G—) — A near-identical synonym for 'mirror,' also from ὄπτομαι, but not used in the New Testament.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
Full methodology & sources →