Divine Revelation: φανερός (Strong’s G5318: phaneros) Unveils God’s Hidden Truth

Strong’s G5318: An adjective meaning “manifest, evident, or clear,” derived from φαίνω (to appear). Used to describe both visible physical manifestations and spiritual revelations. Carries theological significance in contexts of divine disclosure, truth becoming evident, and the revelation of God’s works and purposes.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word φανερός plays a crucial role in biblical revelation, describing that which is apparent, visible, or manifest to all. This adjective carries both literal and metaphorical significance, often used to contrast what is hidden with what has been made evident. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in contexts of divine revelation, describing how God makes His truth, works, and purposes known to humanity. The early church employed this term extensively when discussing the manifestation of divine truth and the revelation of the Messiah. Today, φανερός continues to remind us that God is not a God who remains hidden but One who makes Himself known, revealing His truth and purposes clearly to those who seek Him.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φανερός, phaneros, fan-er-os’
• Pronunciation Guide: fan (as in “fantastic”) + er (as in “error”) + os (as in “moss”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• φαν- (phan-): root meaning “to appear, shine”
• -ερος (-eros): adjectival suffix indicating capability or fitness
  Combined to mean “capable of being seen” or “apparent”

D – Defining Meanings

• Visible, apparent
• Clear, evident
• Known, manifest
• Publicly known or recognized

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a simple adjectival formation

Translation Options:

• “Manifest” – emphasizes complete visibility or revelation
• “Evident” – stresses clear perception or understanding
• “Open” – captures the public or unconcealed aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φανέρωσις (phanerōsis, fan-er’-o-sis) – manifestation See G5321
• ἐπιφανής (epiphanēs, ep-if-an-ace’) – manifest, notable See G2016
• δῆλος (dēlos, day’-los) – clear, evident See G1212

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as an adjective:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter

Examples of declension:

• Masculine singular: φανερός
• Feminine singular: φανερά
• Neuter singular: φανερόν
• Masculine plural: φανεροί

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insights into φανερός. BDAG emphasizes its use in both physical visibility and spiritual manifestation contexts. Thayer’s highlights its progression from physical appearance to spiritual revelation. LSJ documents its classical usage in contexts of public knowledge and clear visibility. Vine’s particularly notes its importance in describing divine revelation and the manifestation of truth. Strong’s connects it to the concept of shining forth or becoming visible. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its common usage in legal documents where public disclosure was important. The LEH shows its frequent use in the Septuagint for clear divine communications.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 6:4: “that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly [φανερός].”

Additional References:
Mark 4:22, Romans 1:19, 1 Corinthians 3:13, 1 Timothy 4:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φανερός beautifully captures God’s nature as One who reveals Himself and His truth to humanity. From secret deeds being rewarded openly to the clear manifestation of God’s power and truth, this word testifies to divine revelation. The good news is that in King Jesus, God has made His love and salvation φανερός – clear and evident – to all who seek Him. This revelation continues today as the Holy Spirit makes the truth of the Gospel manifest in the hearts of believers.

D – Did You Know?

1. φανερός is related to the English word “phenomenon” through its root meaning of appearance.
2. Early Christian writers used this term extensively when discussing the incarnation of Jesus.
3. In legal contexts, it was used to describe public declarations and official manifestations.

Strong’s G5318: An adjective meaning “manifest, evident, or clear,” derived from φαίνω (to appear). Used to describe both visible physical manifestations and spiritual revelations. Carries theological significance in contexts of divine disclosure, truth becoming evident, and the revelation of God’s works and purposes.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: revelation, manifestation, visibility, clarity, truth, divine-disclosure, evidence, appearance, public-knowledge, openness, transparency, divine-revelation, spiritual-insight, clarity, understanding​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​