Dēloō (pronounced day-loh-oh) is a Greek verb that means “to make clear,” “to reveal,” or “to show.” It is derived from the root word δῆλος (G1212), which means “clear” or “manifest.” Dēloō is used in contexts where something is made evident or is openly displayed. This verb is an action-oriented term that focuses on the process of revealing or demonstrating something to make it apparent to others.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: Derived from δῆλος (G1212), meaning “clear” or “manifest.”
• Part of Speech: Verb.

Primary Meanings:

• To make clear: Dēloō is used to indicate the act of clarifying something, ensuring that it is understood or seen without ambiguity.
• To reveal: The verb also carries the meaning of revealing or disclosing something that was previously hidden or unknown.
• To show: It can be used in the sense of showing or demonstrating something to others, making it visible or known.

Scripture References

1. 1 Corinthians 3:13: “Each one’s work will become manifest (dēloō); for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.”
2. Colossians 1:8: “And has made known (dēloō) to us your love in the Spirit.”
3. Hebrews 9:8: “By this the Holy Spirit indicates (dēloō) that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing.”

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) provides a detailed explanation of dēloō, emphasizing its use in making something clear or manifest. BDAG notes that this verb often appears in contexts where revelation or disclosure is central, such as in discussions of divine revelation or the manifestation of truth.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon adds that dēloō is used to describe the act of showing or making something known, often with the implication that the thing revealed was previously hidden or not fully understood. Thayer’s suggests that the verb is frequently used in theological contexts to describe the revealing of divine truths or the clarification of spiritual matters.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary highlights that dēloō is commonly used in the New Testament to describe the process of making something evident, especially in relation to spiritual or moral truths. Vine’s indicates that this verb is action-oriented, focusing on the process of revelation or demonstration.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon) notes that dēloō was widely used in classical Greek literature to describe the act of making something clear or manifest. It was used in various contexts, from legal settings to philosophical discussions, where the clarity of a point or the revelation of information was crucial.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War”: Thucydides uses dēloō to describe the process of revealing or making clear the motivations behind certain actions during the war. He often employs the verb to emphasize the clarity of evidence or the transparency of political maneuvers.
2. Plato’s “Republic”: In The Republic, Plato uses dēloō to discuss the process of making philosophical truths clear to the students of Socrates. The verb is used to describe the revelation of higher knowledge and the clarification of moral principles.
3. Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics”: Aristotle uses dēloō in his ethical writings to discuss the process of making virtues and ethical principles clear to students. The verb is often employed in the context of teaching and the clear demonstration of moral truths.

Summary

Dēloō (G1213) is a Greek verb that plays a crucial role in both biblical and classical Greek literature. It denotes the act of making something clear, revealing, or showing it. Derived from the root word δῆλος, meaning “clear” or “manifest,” dēloō emphasizes the process of disclosure, revelation, and demonstration. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the revealing of divine truths or the manifestation of spiritual realities. In classical Greek literature, dēloō is similarly used to denote the process of making information or truths clear, whether in historical, philosophical, or ethical contexts. This verb underscores the importance of clarity and the act of making something visible or understood, making it a key term in discussions of revelation and truth.