Brief Overview of ἐνδείκνυμι (Strong’s G1731: endeíknumi)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament can significantly deepen our comprehension of the text. One such word is ἐνδείκνυμι (endeíknumi), a verb that carries the meaning of “to show,” “to demonstrate,” or “to indicate.” This word is pivotal in passages that discuss the manifestation of God’s power, the demonstration of faith, or the evidence of spiritual truths. The usage of ἐνδείκνυμι in the New Testament helps readers understand how early Christian writers communicated the tangible expressions of divine actions and moral principles, making it an essential word for both theological study and practical application.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἐνδείκνυμι (endeíknumi) [en-DAYK-noo-mee]
• Etymology: Derived from the combination of the preposition ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and the verb δείκνυμι (deíknumi), meaning “to show” or “to point out.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (present, middle/passive deponent)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Show or Demonstrate: ἐνδείκνυμι primarily means “to show” or “to demonstrate,” often in the context of providing evidence or making something manifest.
• To Indicate: The word can also carry the sense of “to indicate” or “to point out,” particularly when highlighting something that is to be observed or noted.

Similar Words:

• δείκνυμι (deíknumi) [DAYK-noo-mee]: This word also means “to show” or “to point out.” While δείκνυμι is more general in usage, ἐνδείκνυμι often has a more specific connotation of demonstrating something within a particular context or situation.
• φανερόω (phaneróō) [fa-ne-ROH-o]: Meaning “to make visible” or “to reveal,” this word emphasizes the act of making something known or visible, often with a focus on the revelation of divine truths or the unveiling of hidden realities.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐνδείκνυμι is a verb that follows the regular pattern of Greek verb conjugation. It appears in various forms depending on tense, voice, and mood, but it is often found in the middle or passive voice in the New Testament, indicating an action that is either reflexive or affects the subject.
• Linguistic Features: The word’s construction with ἐν (en) and δείκνυμι (deíknumi) highlights its function of demonstrating something within a specific context or setting. This makes it particularly effective in conveying the idea of a sign or proof that arises within a certain situation.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐνδείκνυμι as “to show” or “to demonstrate,” with a focus on acts that serve as evidence of something, particularly in moral or spiritual contexts. It emphasizes the word’s role in illustrating the tangible manifestations of abstract principles.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon notes that ἐνδείκνυμι often appears in the middle voice in the New Testament, underscoring its reflexive or self-directed action. It is used to describe the act of demonstrating or showing forth something, especially in relation to divine actions or moral conduct.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces the word’s usage in classical Greek literature, noting its application in both legal and rhetorical contexts where evidence or demonstration is required to support an argument or claim.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary highlights the theological implications of ἐνδείκνυμι, particularly its use in the New Testament to describe the demonstration of God’s power or the evidence of faith in action.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s defines ἐνδείκνυμι as “to show,” “to demonstrate,” or “to indicate,” emphasizing its use in providing proof or evidence within a given context.

Scripture References

• Romans 2:15: “They show (ἐνδείκνυνται) that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.”
• 2 Corinthians 8:24: “So give proof (ἐνδείκνυσθε) before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνδείκνυμι (G1731: endeíknumi)

The Greek word ἐνδείκνυμι (endeíknumi) is a verb that means “to show,” “to demonstrate,” or “to indicate.” It plays a crucial role in the New Testament, where it is used to describe the act of making something manifest, whether it be divine power, moral principles, or spiritual truths. By understanding ἐνδείκνυμι, we gain insight into how early Christian writers communicated the tangible expressions of faith and the evidence of God’s work in the world. This word is essential for anyone studying the ways in which the New Testament conveys the concepts of proof, evidence, and demonstration.

Did You Know?

The word ἐνδείκνυμι was not only used in religious contexts but also in legal and philosophical discourse in ancient Greece. It was a key term in rhetorical arguments where demonstrating evidence or proof was necessary to convince an audience. This highlights the word’s versatility and its importance in both secular and sacred texts.