a prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show (literally or figuratively):--shew.
Transliteration:deiknýō
Pronunciation:dike-noo'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1166 (δεικνύω, *deiknýō*) carries the fundamental meaning "to show," "to point out," or "to make known." Its base definition indicates both a literal and figurative application. Literally, it denotes the act of presenting something to sight, such as showing an object, pointing to a location, or revealing a physical wound. Figuratively, its semantic range extends to demonstrating a truth, proving an argument, revealing a secret, or exhibiting a quality, power, or character. It implies an active, intentional disclosure, moving something from a state of being unseen or unknown to being visible or comprehensible. Unlike merely "seeing" (e.g., `{{G991}}` βλέπω, *blepō*), δεικνύω emphasizes the agent's deliberate action of causing something to be seen or understood.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb δεικνύω appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its broad applicability:
* **Demonstration of Power and Authority:** Jesus often uses δεικνύω to refer to His miraculous works, which serve as evidence of His divine authority. For instance, when asked for a sign, Jesus states, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" [[John 2:19]], implicitly "showing" His power over life and death. He also declares, "I have shown you many good works from the Father" [[John 10:32]], highlighting His miracles as demonstrations of God's benevolence.
* **Revelation of Truth and Identity:** The word is used in contexts where Jesus reveals His identity or divine truths. The devil "shows" Jesus all the kingdoms of the world [[Matthew 4:8]], a temptation to worldly power. Conversely, Jesus "shows" His disciples that He must suffer [[Matthew 16:21]], revealing His redemptive path. After His resurrection, He "shows" His hands and feet to prove His bodily reality [[Luke 24:40]].
* **Divine Disclosure:** God "shows" His attributes or intentions. Paul states that God raised Pharaoh up to "show" His power [[Romans 9:17]] and to make His name known. Peter learns that God has "shown" him not to call anyone unholy or unclean [[Acts 10:28]], indicating divine instruction.
* **Human Action and Evidence:** Humans are called to "show" their faith through their deeds. James famously challenges, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works" [[James 2:18]], emphasizing the visible manifestation of belief. The barbarians on Malta "showed" unusual kindness to Paul and his companions [[Acts 28:2]], illustrating virtuous conduct.
In each instance, δεικνύω underscores a deliberate act of presentation, whether for proof, revelation, instruction, or demonstration.
### Related Words & Concepts
δεικνύω is conceptually linked to several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{G5319}}` (φανερόω, *phaneroō*):** "to make manifest," "to reveal." While similar, φανερόω often implies a broader making visible or public, whereas δεικνύω can be more specific, a direct pointing or presenting. For example, God *manifests* Himself (φανερόω), but He *shows* (δεικνύω) a specific sign.
* **`{{G601}}` (ἀποκαλύπτω, *apokalyptō*):** "to unveil," "to reveal." This term often carries a sense of divine disclosure of hidden truths, particularly in an eschatological context. δεικνύω can be part of this unveiling process, serving as the act by which the hidden is brought to light.
* **`{{G1097}}` (γινώσκω, *ginōskō*):** "to know," "to come to know." δεικνύω is often the means by which knowledge (γινώσκω) is imparted or acquired. One "shows" in order that another might "know."
* **`{{G1325}}` (διδάσκω, *didaskō*):** "to teach." Teaching often involves "showing" through examples, illustrations, or demonstrations.
The concept of "showing" is fundamental to revelation, proof, instruction, and the visible expression of inner realities. It bridges the gap between the unseen or unknown and the seen or known.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δεικνύω is profound, particularly in understanding God's interaction with humanity and Christ's salvific work:
* **Divine Revelation:** God is consistently portrayed as actively "showing" Himself, His will, and His attributes to humanity. This ranges from His power evident in creation [[Romans 1:20]] to His wrath [[Romans 9:22]] and His mercy. The very act of divine revelation is an ongoing "showing" of God's nature and plan.
* **Christ as the Ultimate Revelation:** Jesus Christ is the ultimate "showing" of God to humanity. He declares, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" [[John 14:9]], indicating that His life, words, and deeds are the clearest demonstration of God's character. His miracles "showed" His divine authority and compassion. His resurrection was the ultimate "showing" of victory over death.
* **The Spirit's Illuminating Work:** The Holy Spirit "shows" future things and guides believers into truth [[John 16:13]], enabling them to comprehend divine realities that would otherwise remain hidden.
* **Human Response and Witness:** Believers are called to "show" their faith through obedience and good works, thereby demonstrating the transforming power of the Gospel to the world [[James 2:18]]. This active demonstration is a vital aspect of Christian witness and discipleship.
* **Judgment and Justice:** In the eschatological sense, God will "show" His righteous judgment and justice, bringing all things into the light for accountability.
Thus, δεικνύω underscores the intentionality of God's self-disclosure and humanity's reciprocal call to manifest the truth received.
### Summary
The Greek verb G1166 (δεικνύω, *deiknýō*) fundamentally means "to show," "to point out," or "to make known," encompassing both literal and figurative applications. Throughout the New Testament, it consistently highlights a deliberate act of disclosure, whether for demonstration, proof, or revelation. Theologically, δεικνύω is central to understanding divine revelation, as God actively "shows" His nature and will, supremely through the person and work of Jesus Christ. It also describes the Holy Spirit's role in illuminating truth and the human responsibility to "show" faith through tangible actions. In essence, δεικνύω captures the dynamic process by which the unseen becomes seen, the unknown becomes known, and divine truth is actively presented for comprehension and response.
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