[Greek] φαντάζω (phantazō), [Latin] terribilis: to make visible, to become visible, to make manifest, to show, to appear as a sight, to cause to appear; Heb.12:21
Moses, in fear and trembling, kneels in the presence of God
Background Information:
Greco-Roman culture: This term involves the manifestation of extraordinary, supernatural, and strange phenomena. Phatasma is the related noun, meaning ghost or spirit. The Greco-Roman culture provides a unique perspective and understanding of the manifestation of visible phenomena. Jesus’ walking on water (Mk.6:45-5) perhaps provides a good example how the Greco-Roman/Hellenistic reader would have interpreted these scripture passages. These readers, already familiar with classical literature and ghost stories, would know that ghosts do not hover over water. Water is a boundary and hazard for ghosts. Only gods and divine beings can walk or hover over water. These readers would have been amused that the Jewish disciples thought of Jesus as a ghost. Mark seems to focus on the disciples’ lack of understanding of Jesus.
Old Testament: In a spiritual sense, Wisdom is personified appearing to others. Wisdom. seeking those worthy of her, appears to them with all solicitude (Wis.6:16). Divinations, omens, and dreams are imagined. The mind depicts unreal divinations, omens, and dreams (Sir.34:5). Led astray by strong drink, they see visions (Isa.28:7). There are Jewish traditions that taught spirits of the night bringing disaster. One cannot approach or see God for fear of death. Even Moses is filled with terror and trembling upon approaching God. These situations help provide some insight into the disciples’ reactions to such phenomena.
New Testament: The book of Hebrews is written to the Jews who believe in Jesus. In contrast to the unapproachable God on Mount Sinai, Jesus makes Himself approachable to all. Yet, the Jews still must overcome their fears of what they perceive as manifestations. Jesus often stated to His disciples to not to be afraid and to come to Him. Jesus, as the Son of God, comes into their midst. The only New Testament reference to a “ghost” is in Mk.6:49. The disciples thought they saw a ghost walking on the sea.
Scripture:
“Indeed, so fearful was the spectacle that Moses said, ‘I am terrified and trembling.’” Heb.12:21
The sight (spectacle) would have been terrifying to the disciples.
Conclusion:
Phantasm, phantom, fantasy, fantastic, fancy, terrible
Fancy is a contraction of fantasy. This can be fanciful imagination. Fantasy is a genre set in an imaginary universe, often with the presence of magic and supernatural elements. I myself prefer science fiction. Isaac Asimov once stated that science fiction, grounded in science, is possible, but fantasy, not grounded in reality, is not possible.
It was interesting to learn about the Greco-Roman culture’s attitudes toward about phantasms. It would be understandable that the Greeks would have seen Jesus as a god, rather than as a ghost. I also can see how the Greeks would have been amused by the disciples’ reactions. Yet, given the Hebrews’ (Israelites’) historical apprehension about supernatural phenomena, it is not surprising that the disciples reacted as they did upon seeing Jesus on the water.