Understanding ἀναδείκνυμι (anadeiknumi) Strong’s G322: The Divine Act of Appointing and Publicly Displaying God’s Chosen Servants

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-dake-NEW-mee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G322: To show forth clearly, to manifest publicly, to appoint by a formal act or announcement. ἀναδείκνυμι carries the rich meaning of both the public declaration and divine authorization of someone chosen for a special purpose or office. This compound word emphasizes both the formal nature of the appointment and its public manifestation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (transitive)
• Compound word from ἀνά (up, again) + δείκνυμι (to show, demonstrate)
• Primary usage in narrative and formal declarations
• Found in Classical Greek administrative and religious contexts
• Used in both literal and metaphorical senses

ἀναδείκνυμι Morphology:

• ἀναδείκνυμι (present active indicative) – I show forth, appoint
• ἀνέδειξεν (aorist active indicative) – he appointed, showed forth
• ἀναδείξῃς (aorist active subjunctive) – you might appoint
• ἀναδεδειγμένος (perfect passive participle) – having been appointed

Origin & History

The term ἀναδείκνυμι has deep roots in classical Greek administration and religious ceremony. In Herodotus’ “Histories,” it appears in contexts of formal proclamations of rulers and official appointments. The word gained particular significance in Hellenistic administrative language, where it described the formal installation of officials and priests.

In the Septuagint, ἀναδείκνυμι appears in contexts of divine appointment and revelation, particularly in 2 Maccabees 2:8 where it describes God’s future manifestation of His glory. The term bridges secular administrative language with sacred appointment, emphasizing divine authority in selection and proclamation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Formal appointment to an office or position
• Public manifestation or display
• Official proclamation or announcement
• Divine selection and authorization

ἀναδείκνυμι Translation Options:

• “To appoint” – Emphasizes the formal selection aspect
• “To show forth clearly” – Highlights the public manifestation component
• “To display publicly” – Stresses the demonstrative aspect
• “To designate officially” – Combines formal appointment with public recognition

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναδείκνυμι appears most prominently in Luke 10:1, where the Lord appointed seventy others for ministry. This usage carries particular weight as it mirrors the pattern of divine appointment seen throughout Scripture, from Moses to the prophets. The term’s second appearance in Acts 1:24 occurs in the context of choosing Matthias as an apostle, emphasizing the divine nature of the selection process.

Key verses using ἀναδείκνυμι:

• “After these things the Lord appointed [ἀνέδειξεν] seventy others also…” Luke 10:1
• “And they prayed and said, ‘You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show [ἀνάδειξον] which of these two You have chosen.'” Acts 1:24

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, public appointment ceremonies were crucial for establishing authority and legitimacy. The use of ἀναδείκνυμι in Luke 10:1 would have resonated with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences, as it carried connotations of both religious consecration and official administrative appointment. This dual significance mirrors the Hebrew concept of משח (mashach – to anoint), where public ceremony and divine authorization converged.

The term also connects to the Jewish tradition of semikhah (rabbinic ordination), where authority was publicly transferred through the laying on of hands. This cultural background enriches our understanding of how the early believers would have understood the appointment of the seventy.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναδείκνυμι in Scripture reveals a profound truth about God’s method of working through chosen vessels. When יהוה (Yahweh) appoints, it is never merely a private matter but always involves public manifestation of His authority and purpose. This pattern is seen from Moses’ appointment before Pharaoh to the Messiah’s baptism where the Father publicly declared, “This is My beloved Son.”

The term emphasizes that divine appointment always carries both authority and responsibility. When God appoints, He also equips and publicly authenticates His chosen servants. This divine pattern continues in the church age, where the Holy Spirit continues to appoint and empower believers for service.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀναδείκνυμι challenges us to recognize that when God calls us to service, He also provides public confirmation and equipping for that calling. Just as the seventy were appointed and sent out with clear authority and purpose, we too can trust that God’s calling on our lives will be accompanied by His clear direction and empowerment.

This word reminds us that our service to God is never purely private – it always has a public component that testifies to His glory and authority. When we step into our divine appointments, we can do so with confidence, knowing that the same God who calls also equips and validates our ministry.

Related Words

• καθίστημι (kathistemi) – to set in order, appoint, establish – See G2525
• προορίζω (proorizo) – to predestine, determine beforehand – See G4309
• ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai) – to select, choose out, elect – See G1586
• τάσσω (tasso) – to arrange, appoint, order – See G5021

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek athletic competitions, the term ἀναδείκνυμι was used for the public proclamation of winners, highlighting the word’s association with public honor and recognition.
• The compound structure of ἀναδείκνυμι (ἀνά + δείκνυμι) creates a visual picture of “lifting up to show” or “displaying upward,” which beautifully captures both the public and elevated nature of divine appointment.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of ἀναδείκνυμι in contexts of promotion and appointment to official positions, maintaining its ancient connotation of formal, public declaration.

Remember This

Divine appointment through ἀναδείκνυμι is never just a private calling – it’s God’s public declaration of His purpose through His chosen vessels.