The Greek word deiknýō, represented by G1166, means to show (literally or figuratively). It is a prolonged form of an obsolete primary word of the same meaning. This term appears 31 times across 29 unique verses in the Bible. It is used to convey the act of revealing, demonstrating, or presenting something for another to see and understand, ranging from physical objects to divine truths.
Beyond simply bringing something into view, G1166 carries the connotation of an active presentation intended to make something known, understood, or evident. It is not merely a passive act of displaying, but an intentional demonstration that seeks to elicit a response or convey a specific truth. This active showing implies a desire for the observer to comprehend the significance of what is being presented, whether it is a physical object, a divine vision, or an abstract concept. The term therefore emphasizes the communicative aspect of showing, bridging a gap between the presenter and the recipient's understanding.
In scripture, G1166 is used in several key ways. It is frequently associated with divine revelation, where an angel is sent to shew God's servants what must come to pass (Revelation 1:1, Revelation 4:1). The word also describes Jesus's actions, such as when he began to shew his disciples that he must suffer and be killed Matthew 16:21 or when he shewed them his hands and side after the resurrection John 20:20. On a human level, it carries the sense of proving or demonstrating one's character, as when James exhorts believers to shew their faith by their works James 2:18. It is also used in a physical sense, as when Jesus commands a healed man to shew himself to the priest for a testimony Matthew 8:4.
The versatility of G1166 also extends to practical and even deceptive contexts. In the synoptic Gospels, the word describes the devil's cunning act of displaying "all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them" to Jesus as a temptation (Matthew 4:8, Luke 4:5), highlighting a 'showing' intended to mislead or entice. On a more mundane but equally illustrative level, G1166 is used in the context of preparing for the Passover, where disciples are told that a man "shall shew you a large upper room furnished" (Mark 14:15, Luke 22:12), indicating a practical act of guidance and provision. Additionally, God's directive to Abraham to "come into the land which I shall shew thee" (Acts 7:3) or the instruction to Moses to make the tabernacle according to the "pattern shewed to thee in the mount" (Hebrews 8:5) illustrate G1166 as a means of divine instruction and direction for specific actions.
Several related words clarify the concept of showing and perception:
- G4592 sēmeîon (an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:--miracle, sign, token, wonder): This term is often what is requested to be shown. The Jews asked Jesus, "What sign shewest thou unto us?" John 2:18, directly linking the act of showing to the provision of a miraculous proof.
- G4160 poiéō (to make or do): This word for action is frequently the basis of what is shown. Faith is shewn by works James 2:18, and Jesus's authority is questioned based on the things He doeth John 2:18.
- G3142 martýrion (something evidential, i.e. (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the Decalogue (in the sacred Tabernacle):--to be testified, testimony, witness): The act of showing often serves as a formal testimony. When a man was healed, he was commanded to shew himself to the priest for a testimony unto them Matthew 8:4.
- G1164 deîgma (a sample): This noun, derived from the same root as G1166, refers to a specific instance, example, or sample that is shown or presented. While G1166 is the action of showing, G1164 is the concrete thing or evidence that is displayed.
The theological weight of G1166 is significant, particularly in revealing divine intent and authenticating faith.
- Divine Disclosure: God actively shews His plans and realities to humanity. This is a central theme in the book of Revelation, where angels are sent to shew John future events and heavenly scenes (Revelation 1:1, Revelation 21:10). God also shewed Peter a vision to reveal that no person should be considered unclean Acts 10:28.
- Authentication of Christ: The Father sheweth the Son all things that He does, and in turn, Jesus shewed His works as evidence of His authority from the Father (John 5:20, John 10:32). After His resurrection, He shewed His wounds to prove His bodily return John 20:20.
- The Evidence of Faith: The term underscores the biblical principle that genuine faith is not merely an internal assent but must be made visible. It must be shewn through a good conversation and works performed in meekness of wisdom (James 2:18, James 3:13).
- The Revelation of the Father: The profound theological truth that Christ is the ultimate manifestation of God the Father is underscored when Philip asks Jesus, "Lord, shew us the Father" (John 14:8). Jesus's response, "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" (John 14:9), redefines the very act of G1166 as it pertains to the divine, asserting that the Son Himself is the complete and sufficient showing of the invisible Father.
The verb G1166 deiknýō, signifying "to show," is a dynamic term in the New Testament, encompassing more than mere observation. It denotes an active, intentional presentation aimed at making something clear, evident, or understood. This range extends from the physical display of objects, such as Jesus showing His hands and side after the resurrection (John 20:20), to the revelation of profound spiritual and future truths. It serves as a crucial word for understanding how divine will and realities are communicated, whether through angelic messengers tasked to "shew" John things to come (Revelation 1:1, Revelation 22:6) or through God's specific guidance, as when He "shewed" Moses the pattern for the tabernacle (Hebrews 8:5).
G1166 highlights the varied purposes of presentation. It can be a tool of temptation, as the devil "shewed" Jesus all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:8), or a practical instruction, such as finding a room for the Passover (Mark 14:15). The term's connection to G1164 deîgma, meaning a sample or evidence, reinforces its role in providing tangible proof or illustration. Theologically, G1166 is central to the authentication of Christ's identity and authority, with the Father "shewing" the Son all things (John 5:20), and Jesus, in turn, demonstrating His works. Crucially, it speaks to the ultimate revelation of the Godhead, where Christ Himself is the complete "showing" of the Father to humanity (John 14:9).
In summary, G1166 is fundamental to understanding how the unseen is made seen, the unknown is made known, and the abstract is made concrete within biblical narrative and theology. It articulates the active disclosure of God's plans, the verification of Christ's divine nature, and the visible manifestation of genuine faith through works. Whether revealing prophetic visions, providing specific divine guidance, or challenging believers to demonstrate their convictions, deiknýō consistently functions as the bridge between hidden truth and manifest understanding.
TRV