### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective δῆλος (G1212), transliterated as *dēlos*, fundamentally conveys the sense of being "clear," "evident," "manifest," or "certain." Its derivation is noted as uncertain, implying its meaning is primarily understood through its consistent usage in Koine Greek. It describes something that is readily apparent, unmistakably known, or easily understood, standing in contrast to that which is hidden, obscure, or ambiguous. The range of English translations provided—"bewray" (an archaic term meaning to reveal or betray), "certain," "evident," "manifest"—highlights its core semantic domain of making something known, visible, or undeniably true. It speaks to a state of transparency and undeniable reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *dēlos* appears in several significant New Testament passages, consistently emphasizing clarity, evidence, or manifestation:
* In **[[Matthew 26:73]]**, Peter's Galilean accent is said to "bewray" (δῆλος) him, meaning it makes his origin evident or manifest to those around him. Here, *dēlos* refers to an undeniable sign or characteristic that reveals one's identity.
* **[[1 Corinthians 15:27]]** employs *dēlos* in a theological argument concerning Christ's ultimate authority: "But when he saith, All things are put under him, it is *dēlos* that he is excepted, which did put all things under him." Here, *dēlos* signifies that a truth is plainly manifest and logically undeniable, serving as a clear inference from a stated premise.
* **[[Galatians 3:11]]** uses *dēlos* to assert a core theological truth: "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is *dēlos*: for, The just shall live by faith." The apostle Paul declares this truth to be "evident" or "plain," not requiring further proof beyond what is already revealed in Scripture.
* In **[[Philippians 1:28]]**, Paul encourages believers not to be terrified by their adversaries, stating that their steadfastness is "to them an *dēlos* of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God." Here, *dēlos* refers to an "evident token" or a clear sign, indicating the certain outcome (perdition for adversaries, salvation for believers) based on their respective responses to the gospel.
* **[[1 Timothy 4:15]]** exhorts Timothy to dedicate himself to his spiritual duties "that thy profiting may be *dēlos* unto all." The aim is for Timothy's spiritual growth and effectiveness to be "manifest" or "evident" to everyone, serving as a clear testimony to his faithfulness and God's work in him.
* **[[Hebrews 7:14]]** states concerning Jesus' lineage: "For it is *dēlos* that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood." This verse uses *dēlos* to emphasize that Jesus' Davidic lineage, and thus His tribal origin from Judah, is an "evident" and undeniable historical fact, which then sets up the theological argument for His unique priesthood (not after the order of Levi).
Across these contexts, *dēlos* consistently points to something that is not hidden, obscure, or ambiguous, but rather is clearly seen, understood, or proven.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of *dēlos* intersects with several other significant Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{G5319}}` (phaneroō)**: A verb meaning "to make manifest, reveal, make visible." While *dēlos* is an adjective describing a state of being clear, *phaneroō* is the action of bringing that clarity or visibility about. The two are closely related in concept, as something that is *dēlos* has often been *phaneroō*.
* **`{{G1715}}` (emphanēs)** and **`{{G1718}}` (emphanizō)**: These terms also relate to manifestation and making something visible or apparent. *Emphanēs* means "manifest, visible," and *emphanizō* means "to make manifest, reveal, show." They share a strong conceptual overlap with *dēlos*.
* **`{{G1097}}` (ginōskō)**: To know, understand, perceive. The state of being *dēlos* often leads to or implies a state of being *ginōskō* (known or understood).
* **Concepts**: Revelation, truth, certainty, evidence, understanding, knowledge, clarity, transparency. These abstract concepts are often expressed or underpinned by the meaning of *dēlos*. The opposite would be concepts like mystery, obscurity, or hiddenness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *dēlos* lies in its emphasis on God's desire for clarity and revelation.
* **Divine Revelation**: God's character, will, and redemptive plan are not meant to be perpetually shrouded in mystery but are progressively made *dēlos* to humanity. This includes the clear manifestation of His power and divine nature through creation ([[Romans 1:19]] uses *phaneros*, but the concept is related), and supremely through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
* **Clarity of Truth**: The gospel message itself is intended to be *dēlos*—plain, evident, and understandable—so that all who hear may grasp its saving truth ([[Galatians 3:11]]). This underscores the biblical emphasis on the accessibility of salvation through faith, not through esoteric knowledge.
* **Certainty of God's Promises**: The *dēlos* nature of God's word and promises ensures their reliability and ultimate fulfillment. What God declares to be true, or what He promises, is not ambiguous but certain.
* **Manifestation of Righteousness and Sin**: Actions and spiritual states are often made *dēlos*. Just as Peter's accent *bewrayed* him, so too do the fruits of faith or the works of the flesh make evident the true spiritual condition of an individual ([[1 Timothy 4:15]]). This speaks to divine accountability and the visible outworking of inner transformation or rebellion.
* **God's Purpose in History**: The *dēlos* nature of certain historical or theological facts (e.g., Jesus' lineage in [[Hebrews 7:14]]) affirms the purposeful and undeniable progression of God's redemptive plan throughout history.
### Summary
The Greek word δῆλος (G1212), *dēlos*, conveys the powerful concept of something being "clear," "evident," "manifest," or "certain." It describes a state of undeniable visibility and unambiguous knowledge, standing in stark contrast to obscurity or hiddenness. In the New Testament, *dēlos* is employed to highlight truths that are plainly revealed, facts that are undeniably established, and characteristics that are openly displayed. Theologically, its usage underscores God's commitment to self-revelation, the inherent clarity of the gospel message, the certainty of His promises, and the manifest outworking of spiritual realities in human lives. It emphasizes that God desires His truth to be known and understood, not concealed, thereby inviting a clear and certain response of faith.
TRV