ὅραμα

a spectacle, vision

Definition

The Greek word ὅραμα refers to something seen, specifically a vision or spectacle. In the New Testament, it consistently describes supernatural visions from God, not ordinary sights. For example, in Acts 10:3, Cornelius sees an 'orama' of an angel, a divine communication. Similarly, in Matthew 17:9, Jesus refers to the Transfiguration as an 'orama,' a revelatory spectacle witnessed by Peter, James, and John. The term emphasizes the visual and often dramatic nature of these divine disclosures.

Biblical Usage

ὅραμα is used exclusively in the Gospels and Acts, always in narrative contexts describing supernatural visions. It appears 12 times, with 9 occurrences in Acts alone, highlighting its role in the apostolic era's divine guidance. Key examples include Peter's vision of the sheet (Acts 10:17-19) and Paul's vision of Ananias (Acts 9:12). The word is never used for everyday seeing; it denotes specific, purposeful revelations from God.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ὁράω (horaō, G3708), meaning 'to see.' The suffix -μα (-ma) indicates the result of the action, so ὅραμα literally means 'that which is seen.' It is related to other sight-words like ὄψις (opsis, G3799) for appearance and ὅρασις (horasis, G3706) for the act of seeing, but ὅραμα specifically denotes the visual object or spectacle itself.

Semantic Range

ὅραμα is theologically significant as it denotes God's active communication through visual revelation. These visions often mark critical turning points in salvation history, such as guiding the early church to include Gentiles (Acts 10-11). Understanding this term enriches Bible reading by highlighting how God personally directed the apostles, confirming that the gospel expansion was divinely orchestrated, not a human plan.

In the Greco-Roman world, visions and omens were commonly reported, but biblical 'oramata' are distinct as they come from the one true God, not capricious gods or dreams. They carry authoritative, directive force, often requiring immediate obedience (e.g., Acts 9:10-12). This contrasts with some cultural perceptions of visions as mere curiosities or personal fantasies.

ὅρασις (horasis, G3706) — emphasizes the act or faculty of seeing, often translated as 'sight' or 'vision' as an event. ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis, G602) — a broader term for 'revelation' or 'unveiling,' which can be non-visual. ὀπτασία (optasia, G3701) — a close synonym also meaning 'vision,' but sometimes with a more vivid or ecstatic connotation (e.g., Luke 1:22).

Word Details

Scripture References