G872
ἀφοράω
to consider attentively
Transliteration
aphoráōPronunciation
(af-or-ah'-o)Everything you need to know.
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to consider attentively
ἀφοράω(aphoráō)
Strong’s Definition
to consider attentively
from G575 (ἀπό) and G3708 (ὁράω);
“Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Pronunciation Guide: af-or-ah'-o (ἀφοράω)
Basic Definition
Strong's G872: ἀφοράω (aphoraō) means to look away from one thing to focus intently on another, combining the ideas of deliberate attention and fixed perspective. It conveys the action of turning one's gaze from all distractions to concentrate on a single object of focus. This word powerfully communicates not just casual seeing but an intentional, sustained, and purposeful redirection of vision.
Etymology and Morphology
ἀφοράω Morphology:
Origin & History
The compound verb ἀφοράω has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe focused attention that required turning away from other objects. In Xenophon's "Memorabilia," the term appears when describing how one must look away from distractions to focus on matters of true importance. The prefix ἀπό emphasizes separation or detachment from one thing to concentrate on another.
In the Septuagint (LXX), the word appears in contexts involving watchful anticipation, such as in Psalm 10:14 (LXX 9:35) where it describes how the afflicted "looks intently" to God for help. The early Church Fathers, particularly Chrysostom in his homilies, expanded on the word's meaning to describe the spiritual discipline of fixing one's gaze on Christ while deliberately turning away from worldly concerns. Clement of Alexandria, in his "Stromateis," uses it to describe the philosophical contemplation that leads to spiritual understanding.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
ἀφοράω Translation Options:
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἀφοράω appears in contexts that carry profound theological significance despite its rare occurrence. Its first appearance is in Philippians 2:23, where Paul uses it to describe his careful watching of circumstances to determine when to send Timothy. Here, the term conveys Paul's focused attention on unfolding events with expectant anticipation.
The more theologically significant usage occurs in Hebrews 12:2, where believers are exhorted to run the race of faith while "fixing our eyes on" (ἀφορῶντες εἰς) Jesus. This powerful metaphor portrays the Christian life as requiring deliberate focus on the Messiah while turning away from all distractions, discouragements, and competing loyalties. This usage perfectly illustrates the full semantic range of the term—both the turning away from hindrances and the concentrated focus on the proper object of attention.
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Cultural Insights
In the ancient Greco-Roman world, athletic competitions were central to cultural life, and spectators would "fix their gaze" on the competitors with rapt attention. The writer of Hebrews draws on this cultural understanding when using ἀφοράω to describe how believers should focus on Jesus. Just as spectators in the stadium would ignore everything else to follow the movements of their favorite athlete, so believers are called to turn away from worldly distractions to focus completely on the Messiah.
This imagery would have been particularly powerful for Jewish readers familiar with the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which calls for complete devotion to יהוה (Yahweh). The concept of "looking to" God was deeply embedded in Jewish spiritual practice through the Temple worship. During sacrifices, worshippers would "look toward" the Holy of Holies as the dwelling place of the Divine Presence. The use of ἀφοράω in Hebrews transfers this intense focus from the Temple to the person of Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God.
Theological Significance
The theological implications of ἀφοράω are profound, particularly in Hebrews 12:2 where it forms the foundation for understanding Christian discipleship. By instructing believers to "fix their eyes on Jesus," the author identifies the Messiah as the proper object of spiritual attention and devotion. This "looking away to Jesus" is not merely an occasional glance but a continuous, deliberate redirection of one's entire spiritual focus.
This concept reveals God's desire for our undivided attention and wholehearted devotion. Just as a bride and groom focus exclusively on each other during their wedding vows, ignoring all others present, so the Lord calls us to a relationship of exclusive spiritual focus. The term ἀφοράω captures the essence of what it means to be singularly devoted to the Messiah—to look away from competing allegiances, temptations, and even legitimate concerns to concentrate on Him alone.
Moreover, this word reveals the transformative power of sustained spiritual attention. When we "fix our eyes" on Jesus, we are gradually changed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18). The omnipotent God works through our focused attention to reshape our character, priorities, and desires. This reveals His gracious design: our transformation comes not primarily through self-effort but through God's power as we maintain an unwavering gaze upon His Son.
Personal Application
In our distraction-filled world, the concept of ἀφοράω offers a powerful spiritual discipline—the practice of deliberately turning our attention away from lesser things to focus completely on the Messiah. This isn't merely about occasional moments of devotion but developing a lifestyle of concentrated spiritual attention. When we feel overwhelmed by life's concerns, the practice of ἀφοράω calls us to consciously redirect our focus from problems to the Problem-Solver, from our limitations to His limitlessness.
This spiritual gaze transforms our perspective on suffering and hardship. Just as Jesus endured the cross by focusing on "the joy set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2), we can endure our present difficulties by fixing our eyes on His example, presence, and promises. When we practice this redirected gaze, our challenges diminish in significance as our vision is filled with His glory and sufficiency. The spiritual discipline of ἀφοράω doesn't remove our problems, but it places them in their proper perspective against the backdrop of His omnipotence and faithful love.
Related Words
Did you Know?
Remember This
ἀφοράω embodies the transformative spiritual discipline of deliberately turning our gaze away from everything that distracts—even good things—to fix our eyes exclusively on Jesus the Messiah, who alone can sustain, empower, and perfect our faith journey.