μυωπάζω
myōpázō
G3467 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To see indistinctly or with limited vision; to be nearsighted or to shut the eyes partially, either physically (due to visual limitation) or metaphorically (suggesting lack of perception or insight). In extended sense, refers to having a restricted perspective, lacking foresight, or being unable to discern broader realities.
Semantic Range
to be nearsighted, to see indistinctly, to squint or blink, to have limited vision (literal), to lack foresight or insight (figurative), to be short-sighted (metaphorical)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the noun μύωψ (myōps, 'one who closes the eyes or squints'), which itself likely comes from μύω ('to close', especially of the eyes) and the stem ὀπ- ('to see'). The verb μυωπάζω is a denominative formation from μύωψ, meaning literally 'to act as a nearsighted person'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μυωπάζω is a rare verb in Greek literature, with minimal attestation outside post-classical and Koine sources. Its primary attestation is in the Koine period, notably in 2 Peter 1:9, where it is used metaphorically for those lacking spiritual or moral clarity. In classical usage, related forms (such as μύωψ) refer to physical nearsightedness or squinting. The standard English translation 'cannot see far off' narrows the sense to a specific physiological limitation; however, the Greek term allows for both literal and figurative uses, encompassing limited vision (physically or metaphorically), short-sightedness, or willful lack of perception. The semantic shift from physical to metaphorical is evident in the New Testament context. The word is derived from Greek roots and not from a Semitic source.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of the base of μυστήριον and (the face; from ὀπτάνομαι); to shut the eyes, i.e. blink (see indistinctly):-- cannot see far off.
Root Family
μυωπ- (myōpázō) — to shut the eyes, to see dimly, to squint, to be nearsighted
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3467-01 |
μυωπάζων | muopazon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
shortsighted | being nearsighted | being nearsighted | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3467-01 |
2 Peter 1:9 | μυωπάζων | muopazon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
shortsighted | being nearsighted | being nearsighted |