Brief Overview of ἐπιφαίνω (Strong’s G2014: epiphaínō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and gaining insights into the ancient Greek worldview. The word ἐπιφαίνω (Strong’s G2014: epiphaínō) is particularly significant as it conveys the idea of “appearing,” “shining upon,” or “manifesting.” This verb often refers to divine manifestations or moments of revelation, making it important for understanding spiritual themes in the New Testament. By examining the meanings and usage of epiphaínō, we gain a deeper understanding of how divine appearances and revelations were viewed in ancient Greek and early Christian contexts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιφαίνω (epiphaínō) [eh-pee-FYE-noh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπι- (epi-), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb φαίνω (phaínō), meaning “to shine” or “to appear.” Together, epiphaínō conveys the idea of something appearing or shining forth upon something else, often used in the context of divine revelation or a notable appearance.
• Part of Speech: Verb; it is used in both the active and passive voices, depending on context. The active voice indicates causing to appear or shine upon, while the passive voice is often used to indicate the act of appearing or being manifested.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To shine upon or bring to light.
• To appear or become visible.
• To manifest or reveal, especially in a divine context.

Similar Words: φαίνω (phaínō) [FYE-noh] also means “to appear” or “to shine,” but it is a more general term that can refer to any kind of appearance or shining. Epiphaínō specifically carries the connotation of something appearing with significance or purpose, often with divine or notable implications.

Further Insights: ἐπιφαίνω is a verb that can appear in different tenses and voices to convey various aspects of appearance or manifestation. For example, in the perfect passive, it can emphasize the enduring effect of a divine appearance or revelation.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιφαίνω is defined as “to appear” or “to bring to light,” often used in contexts involving divine or supernatural appearances. It emphasizes the idea of something becoming visible or manifesting, especially in relation to God’s presence or intervention.

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Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epiphaínō as “to appear” or “to show forth,” particularly in the context of divine manifestations. The word is often associated with theophanies or appearances of divine light.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epiphaínō conveys the concept of “shining upon” or “revealing,” especially when referring to divine or supernatural occurrences. It implies a purposeful manifestation or revealing of something significant.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epiphaínō means “to cause to appear” or “to reveal,” especially in classical Greek where it describes gods or celestial bodies becoming visible or shining forth.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epiphaínō as “to appear” or “to give light,” focusing on its usage to describe divine or supernatural appearances that bring something into visibility or revelation.

Related Scripture References

• Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared [ἐπεφάνη (epephánē)] to all men.”
  This verse uses epiphaínō to describe the manifestation of God’s grace to humanity, emphasizing the divine revelation of salvation.
• Luke 1:79: “To give light [ἐπιφαίναι (epiphaínai)] to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
  Here, epiphaínō is used in the sense of “shining upon” or “giving light,” referring to the divine guidance provided to those in spiritual darkness.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιφαίνω (G2014: epiphaínō)

The Greek word ἐπιφαίνω (epiphaínō), meaning “to shine upon,” “to appear,” or “to manifest,” is a verb that captures the concept of divine or notable appearances and revelations. In the New Testament (Titus 2:11), it describes the appearance of God’s grace, emphasizing divine intervention or revelation. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, epiphaínō is used to describe moments of divine light, guidance, or appearance, whether in the context of celestial bodies, gods, or divine revelations. Understanding epiphaínō provides valuable insights into the ancient Greek and Biblical perspectives on divine appearances, manifestations, and the revealing of God’s will.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιφαίνω shares a root with φαίνω, which means “to appear” or “to shine”? While phaínō can refer to any appearance or shining, epiphaínō specifically emphasizes a purposeful or significant appearance, often with divine connotations. This distinction highlights the richness of Greek vocabulary in conveying subtle differences in meaning and context, reflecting how ancient writers viewed divine interventions and manifestations as distinct, notable events that could change the course of human history.