Brief Overview of δῆλος (G1212: dēlos)

Dēlos (pronounced day-los) is an ancient Greek adjective that primarily means “clear,” “manifest,” or “evident.” This word is used to describe something that is unmistakably visible or understood, often in contexts where certainty or clarity is emphasized. It conveys the idea of something being so obvious that it is impossible to overlook or misunderstand.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: The word δῆλος is an independent adjective in the Greek language.
• Part of Speech: Adjective.

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Primary Meanings:

• Clear: Dēlos is used to describe something that is clearly seen or understood, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity.
• Manifest/Evident: The term is often applied in contexts where something is made manifest or is evident to all observers, typically through visible signs or unmistakable actions.
• Obvious: In some instances, dēlos conveys the idea that something is so obvious that it does not require further explanation or proof.

Scripture References

1. 1 Corinthians 15:27: “For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put under him, it is manifest (dēlos) that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.”
2. Hebrews 7:15: “And it is yet far more evident (dēlos): for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest.”
3. Philippians 2:15: “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.”

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) provides a comprehensive view of δῆλος, emphasizing its usage in the New Testament to denote something that is clear or evident. BDAG notes that δῆλος often appears in contexts where clarity or manifest truth is crucial, especially in theological arguments or discussions about the nature of divine authority.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon expands on this by explaining that δῆλος is employed to describe something that is visibly clear or unmistakably certain. Thayer’s highlights that the word is used both in literal and metaphorical senses, where it can refer to both physical visibility and the clarity of truth or understanding.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary aligns with these definitions, noting that δῆλος is often used to describe the clarity of God’s actions or revelations. Vine’s suggests that the term carries a strong sense of certainty and is used in contexts where the truth is being made manifest to believers.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon) notes that δῆλος was commonly used in classical Greek literature to describe anything that was clearly seen or understood. It was used in various contexts, including legal, philosophical, and rhetorical discussions, to emphasize the obviousness or clarity of a point being made.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus uses δῆλος to describe the clarity of omens or signs in his historical narratives. When discussing events that were foretold by oracles or seers, he often employs δῆλος to indicate that the meaning of these signs was clear and unmistakable.
2. Sophocles’ “Antigone”: In Antigone, δῆλος is used to describe the clarity of Creon’s edict and the obvious consequences of defying it. The word underscores the manifest nature of the law and its expected enforcement.
3. Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics”: Aristotle uses δῆλος in his ethical discussions to emphasize points that are logically clear or self-evident. For example, when discussing virtues, Aristotle might use δῆλος to highlight the obviousness of a particular moral principle.

Summary

Dēlos (G1212) is a Greek adjective that encapsulates the ideas of clarity, manifest truth, and obviousness. It is used in both biblical and classical Greek literature to describe something that is unmistakably clear, whether it be a physical sight, a divine truth, or a logical conclusion. In the New Testament, dēlos often underscores the clarity of God’s actions and the evident nature of divine truth. Across various contexts, the word consistently emphasizes the visibility and certainty of the subject it describes, making it a crucial term in discussions of manifest truth and clear understanding.