Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, each word carries a depth of meaning that can significantly enhance our understanding of the Scriptures. One such word is ἔνδειξις (éndeixis), which is essential in contexts where evidence, proof, or demonstration is being conveyed. This noun encapsulates the concept of showing or indicating something clearly, often used in the New Testament to highlight evidence of divine power, moral conduct, or the inner workings of faith. Understanding ἔνδειξις helps in grasping the nuances of how early Christian writers communicated the tangible expressions of spiritual truths and principles, making it a key term in both theological study and practical application.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἔνδειξις (éndeixis) [EN-dayk-sis]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb ἐνδείκνυμι (endeíknumi), meaning “to show” or “to demonstrate,” with the prefix ἐν (en) indicating “in” or “within,” and δείκνυμι (deíknumi) meaning “to show” or “to point out.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine, third declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Proof or Evidence: The primary meaning of ἔνδειξις is “proof” or “evidence,” especially in legal or moral contexts where something must be demonstrated or made clear.
• Demonstration: It also carries the sense of “demonstration,” indicating the act of showing or proving something through evidence or action.
• Sign or Token: In some contexts, ἔνδειξις can be understood as a “sign” or “token,” serving as an indicator of something significant.

Similar Words:

• ἀπόδειξις (apódeixis) [ah-PO-dayk-sis]: This word also means “demonstration” or “proof,” but with a stronger emphasis on logical or factual proof, often used in rhetorical or philosophical contexts.
• μαρτυρία (marturía) [mar-too-REE-ah]: Meaning “testimony” or “witness,” this word emphasizes the act of bearing witness or providing testimony, often in a legal or religious sense, as opposed to the more general concept of evidence or demonstration conveyed by ἔνδειξις.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἔνδειξις is a feminine noun in the third declension. Its various forms appear based on case, number, and function within sentences. It is often found in genitive or accusative cases in the New Testament, highlighting its use in possessive or object-oriented constructions.
• Linguistic Features: The construction of ἔνδειξις from ἐνδείκνυμι suggests a focused demonstration or proof, typically within a particular context. This makes the word especially powerful in theological discussions where evidence of spiritual truths is being presented.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἔνδειξις as “a clear indication” or “proof,” emphasizing its use in contexts where something is being demonstrated as true or valid. The lexicon notes its importance in legal and moral discussions within the New Testament.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights ἔνδειξις as a term denoting “evidence” or “demonstration,” particularly in contexts where God’s justice or human morality is being discussed. It also points out its frequent use in Pauline epistles.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a classical perspective, noting that ἔνδειξις was commonly used in Greek literature to refer to a “display” or “proof,” especially in legal or rhetorical settings where a demonstration of facts was necessary.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes the theological implications of ἔνδειξις, particularly in its use to describe the evidence of God’s righteousness or the manifestation of divine judgment, making it a critical term for understanding New Testament teachings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s defines ἔνδειξις as “proof” or “manifestation,” underscoring its role in providing clear evidence or demonstrating something that is being argued or revealed in the biblical text.

Scripture References

• Philippians 1:28: “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token (ἔνδειξις) of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.”
• Romans 3:25: “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare (ἔνδειξις) his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔνδειξις (G1732: éndeixis)

The Greek word ἔνδειξις (éndeixis) plays a crucial role in the New Testament, encapsulating the concept of “proof,” “evidence,” or “demonstration.” It is a term deeply embedded in discussions of morality, justice, and divine action, used to indicate the clear manifestation of spiritual truths or the validation of an argument. Understanding ἔνδειξις allows readers to better grasp the theological and moral assertions made in the New Testament, making it an invaluable word for both scholars and students of the Bible.

Did You Know?

The word ἔνδειξις was often used in ancient Greek legal texts to refer to the evidence required to substantiate a claim or accusation. This legal background adds depth to its use in the New Testament, where it often pertains to the evidence of God’s righteousness or the proof of moral conduct.