Word Study: "SAW"

John 20:1-8

In v. 5, as the first disciple looked in the tomb and “saw the linen cloths lying there,” the word for “saw” is the Greek word blepei.

In v. 6, when Peter went into the tomb and “saw the linen cloths lying there,” the word translated “saw” is a different word, theorei.

In v. 8, when the first disciple went into the tomb also, “and he saw and believed,” yet a third word is translated “saw,” the word eiden.

The word in v. 5, translated “saw” is like when we look at a group of people and see only a crowd or when we look at a stand of trees and see only a forest rather than the individual parts that make up the scene, perhaps, we might say, a sort of general awareness of an entire setting.

The word in v. 6 translated “saw” has in it the idea of looking with wonder and beginning to have an idea or theory of something having happened.  Luke 24:12 says, “But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.”

The word in v. 8 translated “saw” is beyond general awareness, and theorizing about what has happened.  The word means seeing with perception, or full understanding.  It is no wonder “he saw and believed.”  He understood the significance of everything before him, and now believed that Jesus had done exactly what He said He would do.  He had conquered death, and risen from the dead, as part of God’s plan to give hope to every man.

How do YOU ‘see’ when YOU look into the perfect law of liberty? (James 1:22-27)

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