Brief Overview of Δεικνύω (G1166: Deiknýō)

Deiknýō (pronounced dayk-NOO-oh, δεικνύω) is a Greek verb found under Strong’s Concordance number G1166. The word Deiknýō is derived from the root verb δεικνύω, which means “to show,” “to point out,” or “to make known.” The verb Deiknýō is commonly used in the New Testament to indicate the act of demonstrating, revealing, or providing evidence for something. It can also mean “to exhibit” or “to display” in a more general sense, depending on the context.

Deiknýō primarily refers to the act of showing or demonstrating something, whether in a literal or figurative sense. The term can be used to describe a wide range of actions, from the simple act of pointing out an object to revealing profound truths or insights. In biblical usage, Deiknýō often carries the connotation of making something clear or evident, particularly in the context of divine revelation, teaching, or guidance.

Scripture References

1. John 14:8-9: “Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show (δεῖξον, deíxon) us the Father, and it is enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show (δεῖξον, deíxon) us the Father”?'” In this passage, Deiknýō is used to express the disciples’ desire for Jesus to reveal the Father to them.
2. Acts 7:3: “And said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show (δείξω, deíxō) you.'” Here, Deiknýō is used in reference to God’s command to Abraham, where He promises to reveal the land to which Abraham is being called.
3. Revelation 1:1: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show (δεῖξαι, deíxai) to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.” In this verse, Deiknýō is used to describe the act of revealing future events to the servants of Christ.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Deiknýō is defined as “to show,” “to make known,” or “to demonstrate.” BDAG emphasizes that the term is used in contexts where something is revealed or made clear, often involving a teaching or instructional element. The lexicon notes that Deiknýō is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the act of revealing divine truths or guiding individuals through spiritual insight.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Deiknýō as “to show” or “to point out,” focusing on the verb’s role in making something evident or clear. Thayer’s highlights that Deiknýō can refer to both literal and figurative acts of showing, from pointing out a physical object to revealing a spiritual truth. The lexicon also notes that Deiknýō is used in various contexts throughout the New Testament, often in connection with divine revelation or the teaching of important lessons.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for Deiknýō, noting its use in classical Greek literature to describe the act of showing, demonstrating, or proving something. LSJ emphasizes that Deiknýō was commonly used in philosophical, rhetorical, and legal contexts, where showing or demonstrating evidence was crucial. The lexicon also discusses the term’s use in religious contexts, where Deiknýō could refer to revealing or making known divine will or truth.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Deiknýō as “to show” or “to make known,” highlighting its role in revealing or demonstrating something to others. The concordance notes that Deiknýō is used in the New Testament to describe actions ranging from simple demonstrations to profound revelations, often with the intent of teaching or guiding others.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Deiknýō appears in various classical Greek texts, often in contexts related to teaching, demonstration, or revealing truths.

1. Herodotus in “The Histories” uses Deiknýō to describe the act of demonstrating or showing evidence, particularly in the context of historical events or cultural practices. This usage emphasizes the importance of making facts or truths clear to the audience.
2. Plato in his dialogues, such as “The Republic,” employs Deiknýō to discuss the act of revealing philosophical truths or guiding students toward understanding. Deiknýō in Plato’s works often serves as a tool for teaching, where showing or demonstrating a concept is key to the learning process.
3. Aristotle in his works on rhetoric and logic uses Deiknýō to refer to the act of proving or demonstrating an argument. In these contexts, Deiknýō is crucial for persuading an audience by clearly showing the validity of a point.

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Summary

Deiknýō (pronounced dayk-NOO-oh, δεικνύω) is a Greek verb meaning “to show,” “to point out,” or “to make known.” Derived from the root verb δεικνύω, the term is used in the New Testament to describe the act of demonstrating, revealing, or providing evidence for something. Deiknýō is often employed in contexts where making something clear or evident is crucial, whether in teaching, guiding, or revealing divine truths. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the importance of Deiknýō in both literal and figurative senses, highlighting its role in biblical and classical Greek literature. The word Deiknýō underscores the significance of showing or revealing in various contexts, from philosophical and rhetorical arguments to divine revelation and instruction in the New Testament.