Introduction

In the study of biblical Greek, understanding the nuances of individual words can significantly enhance our interpretation of Scripture and deepen our comprehension of the cultural and theological contexts in which these words were used. The Greek verb ἐμφανίζω (emphanizō) is one such word that carries a rich depth of meaning related to making something known or visible. This word appears in key New Testament passages, often in contexts where divine or spiritual truths are being revealed. Its usage not only informs our understanding of the text but also connects us to broader themes in ancient Greek culture where visibility and manifestation were often linked to divine revelation or the clarity of truth.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμφανίζω (emphanizō) [em-fa-NID-zo]
• Etymology: Derived from the root φαίνω (phainō), meaning “to shine” or “to appear,” combined with the prefix ἐν- (en-), indicating “in” or “within.” The verb form emphasizes the act of making something visible or manifest.
• Part of Speech: Verb (active voice, indicative mood)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Manifest or Make Known: The primary meaning of ἐμφανίζω is “to manifest” or “to make known,” particularly in the context of revealing something that was previously hidden or unclear.
• To Appear or Show Oneself: The word can also refer to the act of someone appearing or showing themselves, often in a context where their presence is significant or revelatory.

Similar Words:

• ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō) [a-po-ka-LYP-to]: Meaning “to reveal” or “to uncover,” this word is similar to ἐμφανίζω but often emphasizes the removal of a veil or cover to disclose something hidden.
• δείκνυμι (deiknymi) [DAYK-noo-mee]: This verb means “to show” or “to point out,” and while similar, it often refers to more concrete or physical demonstrations, rather than the revelation of truths or manifestations.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐμφανίζω is a verb that follows the typical conjugation patterns of Greek verbs. It is used primarily in the active voice, though passive forms are also found in the New Testament, indicating an action being done to the subject.
• Linguistic Features: The verb’s construction from φαίνω (to shine) underscores its connection to light and revelation, making it particularly suited for contexts involving the disclosure of divine truths or the appearance of spiritual realities.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon emphasizes the use of ἐμφανίζω in contexts where something is made visible or manifest, often involving divine revelation or the appearance of something significant. It highlights the word’s importance in passages where God’s will or presence is revealed.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon focuses on the New Testament usage of ἐμφανίζω, particularly in passages where it describes the act of making something known or manifest. Thayer also notes the word’s usage in classical Greek literature, where it often carried similar connotations of revelation or visibility.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary associates ἐμφανίζω with the concept of manifestation, particularly in relation to divine or spiritual truths. The lexicon compares it with other Greek words related to revelation, highlighting its specific nuance of making something visible or known.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides broader context, showing that ἐμφανίζω was used in classical Greek to describe actions of making something clear, evident, or visible, often in contexts of teaching, revelation, or divine intervention.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐμφανίζω simply as “to manifest” or “to show,” noting its limited but significant usage in the New Testament, particularly in passages involving the revelation of divine truths or the visible appearance of God’s will.

Scripture References

• John 14:21: “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest (ἐμφανίσω) myself to him.”
• Acts 23:15: “Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμφανίζω (G1718: emphanizō)

The Greek verb ἐμφανίζω (emphanizō) is rich with meaning related to making something known, visible, or manifest. It is used in the New Testament to describe moments of divine revelation or the manifestation of spiritual truths. Its use underscores the importance of visibility and revelation in understanding God’s will and presence. The word’s connections to classical Greek thought further deepen its significance, as it was often used to describe the revelation of truth or divine will in ancient literature. Understanding this word enhances our comprehension of key biblical passages and provides insight into the broader cultural context of the New Testament.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, verbs like ἐμφανίζω were often used in religious contexts to describe the appearance of gods or the revelation of divine truth. This highlights the importance placed on visibility and clarity in both spiritual and intellectual realms, making ἐμφανίζω a word deeply rooted in the quest for understanding and enlightenment.