G2529 καθοράω (kathoráō)

Clearly seen (2529) (kathorao from katá = down or an intensifier + horáo = see and perceiving) literally means to look down, see from above, view from on high. The meaning is then generally to view or to consider. The idea is to acquire definite information with focus upon process of perception but associated with an intellectual apprehension. It means to behold fully, distinctly apprehend clearly see and discern clearly. This is the only NT use. Here are the other uses of Kathorao in the LXX-- Ex 10:5; Nu 24:2; Deut 26:15; Job 10:4; 39:26. The present tense indicates they are continually on display to be (passive voice) perceived --continuously beheld fully, distinctly apprehended. It is not as if God gives rebellious, truth rejecting mankind one brief peak as His glorious handiwork! TWO TYPES OF REVELATION OF GOD GENERAL & SPECIAL (1) General revelation = God's self-disclosure through the created world as in Ps 19:1 (cp Ro 1:20-note) (2) Special revelation = God's disclosure of Himself by an act of direct revelation, specifically in His written Word as in Ps 19:7 (cp Heb 1:1,2-note, 2Pe 1:20, 21-note) An Illustration - Bill Bruster, former pastor of the First Baptist Church in Abilene, tells of a young student from Nigeria named John who attended his church. Bruster asked him how he became a Christian. John answered, "When I was a little boy, running around in the bush country of Nigeria, I knew there was a God. I would stand among the trees and look up at the skies at night and know that someone made this world. I knew there was a God, but I didn't know what to call him. One day Josephine Skaggs, a Southern Baptist missionary, came to our village to teach us children how to read. She taught us how to read the Bible. There I discovered the name of the God who had revealed himself to me through the trees and the stars." We can know of God through this general revelation. However, to know God required special revelation, God's revelation in history and specifically God's revelation in Jesus Christ. (Quoted by Brian Harbour) Related Resources: What is general revelation and special revelation? Watch a 2' 20" video by John Piper International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (scroll down for discussion) The Bible - The Written Word of God - J. Hampton Keathley, III Bibliology - Greg Herrick (simple synopsis - revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, etc) Vincent observes that... We have here an oxymoron, literally a pointedly foolish saying; a saying which is impressive or witty through sheer contradiction or paradox. Invisible things are clearly visible. Theologians refer to this revelation as natural or general in contrast to the Scriptures which are classified as "special revelation" God’s natural revelation of Himself is not obscure or selective, observable only by a few perceptive souls who are specially gifted. His revelation of Himself through creation can be clearly seen by everyone. The upshot is that no one has an excuse to say I see no evidence for a Creator, for a God. It takes a deliberate act of one's will to observe the design we see in creation and not acknowledge a Designer. Conscience and Creation is enough evidence to condemn every man. The people who should be shouting the loudest are scientists and doctors who look into the telescopes and microscopes. They see the design and order and plan. When you go to the art gallery and a beautiful painting, you may not necessarily know the name of the artist who painted it but you are certain from the beauty and form and design that the artist was clearly a master. Adrian Rogers tells of a man who owns a trucking company in the south where part of the hiring process is a lie detector test on which one of the questions is “Do you believe in God?". They have observed that even avowed atheists who answer this question "no" are shown to be liars by the lie detector! The stars in their courses proclaim the great Creator's power Forever singing as they shine, The Hand that made us is divine. (Joseph Addison) Napoleon, on a warship in the Mediterranean on a star-lit night, passed a group of his officers who were mocking at the idea of a God. He stopped, and sweeping his hand toward the stars, said, Gentlemen, you must get rid of those first! George Washington Carver (1864-1903) chemist and educator wrote that... Nature is an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only will tune in. BEING UNDERSTOOD THROUGH WHAT HAS BEEN MADE: tois poiemasin nooumena (PPPNPN): Spurgeon writes that... Men who never heard the gospel can see God in His works if they open their eyes. There is written upon the face of nature enough to condemn men if they do not turn to God. There is a gospel of the sea, and of the heavens, of the stars, and of the sun; and if men will not read it, they are guilty, for they are wilfully ignorant of what they might know, and ought to know. (Ed: Of course, they still need to hear the verbal Gospel proclaimed.)