Understanding δῆλος (dēlos) Strong’s G1212: The Divine Clarity that Reveals Truth and Makes God’s Work Manifest

Pronunciation Guide: DAY-los (with emphasis on the first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1212: δῆλος (dēlos) describes that which is clear, evident, manifest, or obvious to perception. It refers to something so plainly visible or apparent that it cannot be misunderstood or overlooked. In biblical contexts, it often indicates the self-evident nature of divine truth or the unmistakable manifestation of God’s work in the world.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Adjective
• Root: From the obsolete primary verb δέω (deō), meaning “to see” or “to observe”
• Origin: Classical Greek
• Usage: Found in narrative and teaching passages, particularly in contexts emphasizing recognition or discernment
• Appears only twice in the New Testament (Matthew 26:73, 1 Corinthians 15:27)
• Frequently used in the Septuagint, especially in wisdom literature

δῆλος Morphology:

• δῆλος (masculine nominative singular) – evident, clear
• δήλου (masculine genitive singular) – of what is evident
• δήλῳ (masculine dative singular) – by/with what is evident
• δῆλον (masculine accusative singular) – the evident thing
• δήλη (feminine nominative singular) – evident, clear
• δῆλον (neuter nominative/accusative singular) – evident thing

Origin & History

The word δῆλος has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe that which is visible, apparent, or manifest to the senses or mind. The term appears in the works of Homer, Herodotus, and Plato, often in contexts where undeniable evidence or clarity of understanding is emphasized. In Plato’s “Republic,” he uses δῆλος to describe truths that are self-evident or axiomatically clear to the rational mind.

In the Septuagint, δῆλος takes on additional theological significance, particularly in its connection to the Urim and Thummim, the sacred lots used by the High Priest for divine guidance. The Hebrew term “Urim” (אוּרִים) is sometimes translated as “δῆλοι” (the plural form), linking the concept of clarity with divine revelation. In Exodus 28:30, the breastplate of judgment is described as containing the “δήλωσιν καὶ ἀλήθειαν” (manifestation and truth), showing how the term became associated with God’s clear communication of His will to His people.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which is plainly visible and cannot be denied
• Something made manifest or brought to light
• A truth so evident it compels recognition
• A quality of being unmistakably clear or obvious
• A distinguishing mark that reveals identity or origin

δῆλος Translation Options:

• “Evident” – Emphasizes the quality of being clearly visible or apparent to observation
• “Manifest” – Highlights how something is plainly revealed or displayed
• “Obvious” – Stresses that something is readily perceived and cannot be missed
• “Unmistakable” – Focuses on the distinctive quality that prevents misidentification
• “Self-evident” – Underscores that the truth requires no additional proof or explanation

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δῆλος appears in contexts that highlight recognition and the manifestation of truth. Its first appearance is in Matthew 26:73, where bystanders identify Peter as a follower of Jesus, saying, “Surely you are also one of them, for your accent makes it evident [δῆλόν].” This usage demonstrates how certain characteristics can make one’s identity unmistakably clear, even when attempting to conceal it.

The term also appears in 1 Corinthians 15:27, where Paul, discussing Christ’s ultimate authority, writes, “For ‘He has put all things under His feet.’ But when He says, ‘all things are put under Him,’ it is evident [δῆλον] that He who put all things under Him is excepted.” Here, Paul uses δῆλος to indicate a theological truth that should be obvious to any rational reader—that God the Father, who subjects all things to the Son, remains sovereign.

Biblical cross-references using δῆλος:

• “After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, ‘Surely you too are one of them; for even your way of speaking makes you evident [δῆλόν].” Matthew 26:73
• “For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, ‘All things are put in subjection,’ it is evident [δῆλον] that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him.” 1 Corinthians 15:27

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek culture, the concept of δῆλος was closely associated with the island of Delos in the Aegean Sea, considered the birthplace of Apollo, the god of light, truth, and prophecy. The island’s name itself means “clear” or “manifest,” and it was believed to be a place where divine truth was especially accessible. This cultural connection between clarity and divine revelation provides an interesting backdrop for the biblical usage of δῆλος, particularly in contexts where God’s truth is being manifested.

Within Jewish tradition, the concept of clear manifestation aligns with the Hebrew term “גָּלָה” (galah), which describes the unveiling or revealing of something previously hidden. This resonates with the Messianic Jewish understanding that God progressively reveals His truth throughout history, culminating in the full revelation of the Messiah Jesus. Just as Peter’s accent made him δῆλος (unmistakably identifiable) in Matthew 26:73, so too does the Messiah’s identity become increasingly δῆλος through the fulfillment of prophecy and the testimony of His life, death, and resurrection.

Theological Significance

The concept of δῆλος carries profound theological implications regarding divine revelation and spiritual discernment. Throughout Scripture, we see that while God’s truth is objectively clear (δῆλος), human beings often lack the spiritual perception to recognize it. This paradox is central to understanding the nature of faith and revelation—God’s truth is not hidden because it is obscure, but because human hearts and minds are darkened by sin and rebellion.

In the Messianic context, Yeshua (Jesus) frequently emphasized this dynamic, noting that His identity was δῆλος through His works, yet many failed to perceive it. As He stated in John 10:37-38, “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” The evidence was clear (δῆλος), yet spiritual blindness prevented many from seeing what should have been obvious.

This understanding of δῆλος also illuminates the purpose of יהוה (Yahweh)’s self-revelation throughout history. God does not make Himself known in obscure or esoteric ways but manifests Himself through creation, covenant, and ultimately in the person of Yeshua the Messiah. As Romans 1:19-20 declares, God’s eternal power and divine nature have been “clearly seen” since the creation of the world, being understood through what has been made, rendering humanity “without excuse.” This clarity (δῆλος) of God’s self-revelation establishes the foundation for human accountability.

Personal Application

Understanding the concept of δῆλος challenges us to examine the areas of our lives where God’s truth may be evident, yet we fail to perceive or acknowledge it. Just as Peter’s accent made his identity evident to those around him, our lives should make our identity in the Messiah unmistakably clear to others. We must ask ourselves: Is my faith in Yeshua δῆλος—evident, unmistakable, and clear—through my words, actions, and character?

Furthermore, the concept of δῆλος invites us to develop spiritual discernment, recognizing that God’s truth is not hidden from us but often hidden in plain sight. Through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and submission to the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate the ability to perceive what is δῆλος in God’s revelation. As we grow in this discernment, we become more attuned to God’s voice and guidance in our daily lives, recognizing His unmistakable hand even in circumstances that might seem ambiguous to others.

Related Words

• φανερός (phaneros, pronounced fa-ne-ROS) – visible, apparent, manifest; emphasizes appearance to the sight or perception, often referring to public manifestation rather than logical clarity. See G5318
• ἐπιφανής (epiphanēs, pronounced e-pi-fa-NACE) – notable, distinguished, illustrious; emphasizes the glorious or magnificent aspect of what is made manifest, particularly used for divine appearances. See G2016
• σαφής (saphēs, pronounced sa-FACE) – clear, distinct, plain; emphasizes intelligibility and comprehensibility rather than visibility. Not found in the New Testament but related conceptually.
• ἀληθής (alēthēs, pronounced a-lay-THACE) – true, genuine, authentic; emphasizes the reality or factual nature of what is evident rather than its perceptibility. See G227
• ἀναφαίνω (anaphainō, pronounced a-na-FAI-no) – to show clearly, make appear, bring to light; the verbal action of making something δῆλος. See G398

Did you Know?

• The island of Delos, sharing its name with our word δῆλος, was considered so sacred in ancient Greek culture that no one was permitted to be born or die on the island. This represents an interesting parallel to the concept of divine clarity that transcends ordinary human experience, existing in a realm of special revelation.
• The Urim and Thummim, the sacred lots used by the High Priest in ancient Israel for divine guidance, are sometimes associated with δῆλος in the Septuagint. The Hebrew term “Urim” (אוּרִים) is translated as “δήλων” or “δήλοις” in some passages, connecting the concept of clarity with divine revelation and decision-making.
• In modern Greek, the word δῆλος remains in use, particularly in legal and administrative contexts, where a “δήλωση” (dēlōsē) is an official declaration or statement of fact. This modern usage preserves the ancient sense of making something clear and unambiguous, especially in contexts where accuracy and truthfulness are paramount.

Remember This

δῆλος reminds us that God’s truth is not hidden because it is unclear, but because our eyes are often closed; when the Spirit opens them, the evidence of His glory becomes unmistakably manifest in every aspect of creation and revelation.