Exploring δεικνύω (deiknýō) Strong’s G1166: The Divine Revelation That Unveils God’s Glory and Kingdom Purpose

Pronunciation Guide: dike-NEW-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1166: δεικνύω (deiknýō) fundamentally means “to show, display, exhibit, or demonstrate” in a way that makes something visible or comprehensible. It carries the sense of revealing something previously hidden or unknown, often with the intention of proving a point or conveying important knowledge. In biblical usage, it frequently describes divine revelation where God makes His truth, plans, or kingdom visible to human understanding.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb, primary, active
• From the Proto-Indo-European root *deik- meaning “to show” or “to point out”
• Appears primarily in narrative and teaching passages
• Used in contexts of divine revelation and instruction
• Common in visionary literature (especially Revelation)

δεικνύω Morphology:

• δεικνύω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I show/reveal
• δεικνύεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you show/reveal
• δεικνύει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it shows/reveals
• δεικνύομεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we show/reveal
• δείξω (future active indicative, 1st person singular) – I will show/reveal
• ἔδειξα (aorist active indicative, 1st person singular) – I showed/revealed
• δεῖξον (aorist active imperative, 2nd person singular) – show! (command)
• δείξας (aorist active participle, nominative masculine singular) – having shown

Origin & History

The verb δεικνύω has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in contexts of presenting evidence, teaching, or displaying something worthy of attention. In Homer’s works, it appears in scenes where characters point out significant landmarks or demonstrate important skills. Herodotus employs it when describing how guides would “show” travelers significant sites or monuments. Plato uses the term in philosophical contexts to describe the act of demonstrating or proving a point through logical argument.

In the Septuagint (LXX), δεικνύω takes on deeper theological significance, often depicting יהוה (Yahweh) revealing His will, covenant, or plans to His people. In Exodus 25:9, for instance, it describes God “showing” Moses the pattern for the tabernacle. This established an important precedent for understanding δεικνύω as a term for divine revelation, where God makes visible what was previously hidden or incomprehensible to human understanding. This theological usage carried forward into the New Testament, where it frequently describes the Messiah revealing divine truth or the Father revealing His plans.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To physically show or point out something visible
• To demonstrate or prove something through evidence or action
• To reveal knowledge, truth, or understanding previously hidden
• To make known through supernatural vision or divine revelation
• To instruct or teach by example or illustration

δεικνύω Translation Options:

• Show – Appropriate when something is physically displayed or made visible
• Reveal – Best when unveiling something previously hidden, especially divine truth
• Demonstrate – Useful when proving a point through actions or evidence
• Make known – Effective for contexts of imparting knowledge or understanding
• Point out – Suitable for instances of directing attention to something specific

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δεικνύω appears 33 times, with notable concentration in John’s Gospel and Revelation. Its first appearance is in Matthew 4:8, where Satan shows Yeshua all the kingdoms of the world in a supernatural vision. This establishes an important pattern where δεικνύω often involves revealing something beyond normal human perception. In John’s Gospel, Yeshua frequently uses this verb to describe how the Father “shows” Him what to do (John 5:20), highlighting the intimate revelation between Father and Son.

The most concentrated use of δεικνύω occurs in Revelation, where it appears 8 times, always in contexts where divine mysteries are being unveiled to John. The book begins with God “showing” His servant things that must soon take place (Revelation 1:1), establishing the apocalyptic nature of the vision as divine revelation. This usage connects to the Old Testament prophetic tradition where God “shows” His servants future events or hidden spiritual realities.

• “Then the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed [δείκνυσιν] Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” Matthew 4:8
• “For the Father loves the Son, and shows [δείκνυσιν] Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show [δείξει] Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.” John 5:20
• “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show [δεῖξαι] to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place.” Revelation 1:1
• “Come here, I will show [δείξω] you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:9
• “And he showed [ἔδειξέν] me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1
• “Lord, show [δεῖξον] us the Father, and it is enough for us.” John 14:8
• “Show [δεῖξόν] me your faith without the works, and I will show [δείξω] you my faith by my works.” James 2:18

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish tradition, the concept of God “showing” something carried profound significance beyond mere visual perception. When a rabbi would “show” his disciples something, it implied not just pointing out facts but imparting wisdom, revealing deeper meanings, and inviting the student into a transformative understanding. This teacher-disciple relationship serves as an important cultural backdrop for understanding Yeshua’s use of δεικνύω, particularly in John’s Gospel where He speaks of the Father “showing” Him all things.

The Jewish concept of הראה (hara’ah), meaning “to show” in Hebrew, was particularly significant in apocalyptic literature and mystical traditions like Merkabah mysticism, where visionaries would be “shown” heavenly realities. This tradition provides essential context for understanding the repeated use of δεικνύω in Revelation, where John is “shown” divine realities beyond normal perception. In Jewish apocalyptic literature, being “shown” heavenly realities was considered a profound privilege granted only to the most faithful servants of יהוה (Yahweh), which helps explain the significant spiritual weight carried by this seemingly simple verb in New Testament usage.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of δεικνύω reveal a God who desires to make Himself known to humanity. Throughout Scripture, יהוה (Yahweh) is portrayed not as a distant deity who remains hidden, but as a loving Father who actively “shows” His nature, will, and plans to His people. This revealing character of God reaches its pinnacle in the incarnation, where Yeshua declares, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The Messiah becomes the ultimate expression of God “showing” Himself to humanity.

The pattern of divine revelation expressed through δεικνύω also highlights the progressive nature of God’s self-disclosure. From showing Moses the tabernacle pattern, to revealing prophetic visions, to the incarnation, and ultimately to the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, we see a God who continually unveils more of Himself and His purposes according to His perfect timing. This progressive revelation reminds us that God meets us where we are, revealing what we need to know when we need to know it, while always inviting us deeper into the knowledge of who He is. The fact that δεικνύω is often used in contexts where God reveals future events also highlights His sovereignty over history and His desire to prepare His people for what lies ahead.

Personal Application

When we encounter the word δεικνύω in Scripture, we are reminded that our God is a revealer, not a concealer. He desires to “show” us His character, His will, and His purposes for our lives. This truth invites us to approach Him with expectant hearts, asking as Philip did, “Lord, show us…” (John 14:8). In our prayer lives, we can confidently ask יהוה (Yahweh) to reveal His will and ways to us, knowing this request aligns with His character as one who delights in showing Himself to His children.

The divine pattern of “showing” also challenges us to be “show-ers” of God’s truth and love to others. Just as Yeshua said, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19), we too are called to demonstrate God’s character through visible actions that reveal His invisible nature to a watching world. Our lives become living illustrations, “showing” others the reality of God’s transforming power and love.

Related Words

• φανερόω (phaneróō, pronounced fah-neh-ROH-oh) – to make manifest or visible, to reveal what was hidden; focuses on bringing something from concealment into clear view. While δεικνύω often involves intentional pointing out, φανερόω emphasizes the transition from hiddenness to visibility. See G5319
• ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō, pronounced ah-poh-kah-LOOP-toh) – to uncover, unveil, or reveal; often used for divine revelations that remove the veil from spiritual truths. More dramatic and complete than δεικνύω, it suggests the removal of something that was actively concealing the truth. See G601
• ἐμφανίζω (emphanízō, pronounced em-fah-NEE-zoh) – to manifest, exhibit, or make apparent; often used for personal appearances or manifestations. While δεικνύω can apply to concepts or objects, ἐμφανίζω typically involves making a person visible or present. See G1718
• γνωρίζω (gnōrízō, pronounced gnoh-REE-zoh) – to make known, declare, or reveal; focuses on imparting knowledge. Where δεικνύω emphasizes visual demonstration, γνωρίζω emphasizes cognitive understanding. See G1107
• σημαίνω (sēmaínō, pronounced say-MAI-noh) – to signify, indicate by signs or symbols; often used for communications through symbolic means. Less direct than δεικνύω, it suggests pointing to truth through signs rather than showing it directly. See G4591

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Greek medical texts, δεικνύω was used by physicians to describe how they would “show” or demonstrate proper treatments to their students? This professional teaching context illuminates how Yeshua, as the Great Physician, “shows” us the way to spiritual health through both His teachings and His example.
• Did you know that in the Byzantine period, religious icons were described as “showing” (δεικνύω) divine realities to worshippers? This reflected the theological understanding that sacred art didn’t merely represent spiritual truths but actually revealed them in a tangible way. This historical usage helps us understand how the New Testament concept of “showing” involves making spiritual realities tangibly present to human perception.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, the derivative word “δείκτης” (deiktis) means “indicator” or “pointer” and is used in contexts ranging from computer mice to statistical indicators? This contemporary usage preserves the ancient sense of directing attention to something significant. Similarly, in the New Testament, when God “shows” us something through His Word or Spirit, He is directing our attention to what matters most in His divine economy.

Remember This

δεικνύω reminds us that we serve a God who delights in revealing Himself—not just telling us about His love, but showing us through creation, Scripture, the incarnation, and personal revelation—inviting us to both witness His glory and demonstrate it to others.