Divine Revelation: ὑποδείκνυμι (Strong’s G5263: hypodeiknymi) Warns and Instructs

Strong’s G5263: A compound verb combining hypo (under) with deiknymi (to show), meaning to show plainly, demonstrate, or warn. In biblical usage, it often involves divine instruction or warning, particularly regarding spiritual truth and coming judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑποδείκνυμι (hypodeiknymi) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with δείκνυμι (deiknymi, “to show”), creating a word that emphasizes clear demonstration or warning. First appearing in Matthew 3:7 in John the Baptist’s warning about coming wrath, it carries both instructive and cautionary force. The early church used this term to describe divine instruction and prophetic warning. Today, it reminds us that God clearly demonstrates both His truth and the consequences of rejecting it, highlighting the importance of heeding divine revelation and warning.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποδείκνυμι, hypodeiknymi, hoop-o-DAYK-noo-mee
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + dayk (as in “take”) + noo (as in “new”) + mee (as in “me”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• δείκνυμι (deiknymi) – verb meaning “to show”
  Combined to mean “to show plainly” or “demonstrate clearly”

D – Defining Meanings

• To show plainly
• To warn
• To demonstrate
• To teach by example

For compound words:

• ὑπό adds emphasis to the showing
• δείκνυμι contributes the basic meaning of demonstration

Translation Options:

• “Show plainly” – emphasizes clear demonstration
• “Warn” – captures cautionary aspect
• “Point out” – indicates direct instruction

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δείκνυμι (deiknymi, DAYK-noo-mee) – “to show” – simple showing
  See G1166
• ἐπιδείκνυμι (epideiknymi, ep-ee-DAYK-noo-mee) – “to display, show off”
  See G1925
• ἀποδείκνυμι (apodeiknymi, ap-od-DAYK-noo-mee) – “to demonstrate, prove”
  See G584

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὑποδείκνυμι exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Future
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

The word would morph in English as:

• Present: shows/warns
• Past: showed/warned
• Perfect: has shown/warned
• Future: will show/warn

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into ὑποδείκνυμι. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of divine instruction and warning. Thayer’s highlights its meaning of showing by example and warning of danger. LSJ traces its development from simple showing to authoritative instruction. Vine’s connects it to prophetic warning and divine teaching. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature and intensified meaning. Moulton and Milligan document its use in official warnings and public announcements.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 3:7: “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who [ὑποδείκνυμι] warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'”

Additional References:
Luke 3:7
Luke 6:47
Luke 12:5
Acts 9:16
Acts 20:35

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑποδείκνυμι powerfully conveys God’s clear communication of both instruction and warning. The good news is that King Jesus not only warns of judgment but shows us the way of salvation. Through His life, teaching, death, and resurrection, He clearly demonstrates God’s love and truth while warning of the consequences of rejection. This word reminds us that God’s communication is always clear, purposeful, and motivated by love.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used in official proclamations in ancient times
• It appears in both warning and instructional contexts in the Gospels
• Early Christian teachers used it for catechetical instruction

Strong’s G5263: A compound verb combining hypo (under) with deiknymi (to show), meaning to show plainly, demonstrate, or warn. In biblical usage, it often involves divine instruction or warning, particularly regarding spiritual truth and coming judgment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: warning, instruction, demonstration, divine revelation, teaching, prophecy, judgment, guidance, clear communication, spiritual truth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​