from διά and φαίνω; appearing through, i.e. "diaphanous":--transparent.
Transliteration:diaphanḗs
Pronunciation:dee-af-an-ace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διαφανής (diaphanḗs, `{{G1307}}`) is a compound adjective formed from the preposition διά (dia, meaning "through" or "across") and the verb φαίνω (phainō, meaning "to shine," "to appear," or "to show"). Etymologically, it thus signifies "shining through," "appearing through," or "being seen through." Its primary and most direct meaning is "transparent" or "translucent," describing a material or substance that allows light to pass through it, enabling objects behind it to be seen, either clearly or indistinctly. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing almost exclusively on this physical property of clarity and light transmission, often implying purity or an absence of opacity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word διαφανής (diaphanḗs, `{{G1307}}`) is remarkably rare in the New Testament, appearing only once in the entire Greek corpus.
* **[[Revelation 21:21]]**: "And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass."
* In this climactic vision of the New Jerusalem, the description employs διαφανής to characterize the "pure gold" of the city's street. The imagery is striking: gold, typically opaque and lustrous, is here described as "like transparent glass." This is not an earthly gold but a celestial substance, imbued with divine properties. The transparency emphasizes an unparalleled purity, brilliance, and luminosity that transcends natural properties. It suggests a complete absence of impurity, cloudiness, or anything that might obscure light or vision. The combination of "pure gold" and "transparent glass" creates a picture of ultimate glory, where the very ground reflects and transmits divine light, contributing to the overall sense of a city bathed in the unblemished glory of God and the Lamb.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding διαφανής is enhanced by considering its etymological roots and conceptual connections:
* **φαίνω (phainō, `{{G5316}}`)**: The root verb meaning "to shine," "to appear," or "to make manifest." This highlights the inherent connection of διαφανής to light and visibility.
* **φῶς (phōs, `{{G5457}}`)**: "Light." The concept of transparency is intrinsically linked to the passage and presence of light.
* **διαυγάζω (diaugazō, `{{G1297}}`)**: "To shine through," "to dawn." Similar in construction with the δια- prefix and related to the idea of light penetrating.
* **καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`)**: "Clean," "pure." While not etymologically related, the concept of transparency in [[Revelation 21:21]] is intimately tied to purity ("pure gold"), suggesting an unblemished and uncorrupted state.
* **Concepts:**
* **Purity:** The ability to see through something without obstruction implies an absence of blemish or impurity.
* **Glory:** In a theological context, transparency can symbolize the unveiled glory of God, where His light and presence are fully manifest.
* **Clarity/Revelation:** The idea of "seeing through" suggests perfect clarity and the full revelation of truth, with nothing hidden or obscured.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of διαφανής in the description of the New Jerusalem carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Purity and Perfection:** The "transparent gold" of the city's street in [[Revelation 21:21]] speaks to the absolute purity and perfection of God's dwelling place. There is no stain, no sin, no imperfection that could cloud or diminish the glory of the divine presence. This imagery contrasts sharply with the fallen world, which is marred by opacity and spiritual darkness.
* **Unveiled Glory and Presence:** The transparency implies that God's glory is not merely present but fully manifest and unobscured. In the New Jerusalem, there is no need for a veil or any barrier to mediate the divine presence, unlike the Old Covenant temple. It signifies direct, unhindered communion with God, where His light permeates everything.
* **Transformation of Creation:** The description of gold as transparent signifies a radical transformation of earthly elements by divine power. It points to a new creation where the very fabric of existence is purified and glorified, reflecting the divine nature. This is a world where the effects of sin have been completely eradicated, and all things are restored to their pristine, intended state.
* **Truth and Illumination:** Transparency inherently speaks to clarity and the absence of deception. In the New Jerusalem, everything is seen in the pure light of God's truth; there is nothing to hide, no darkness, no falsehood. It is a place of ultimate illumination, where God Himself is the light.
### Summary
The Greek word διαφανής (diaphanḗs, `{{G1307}}`), meaning "transparent" or "appearing through," is derived from διά ("through") and φαίνω ("to shine"). Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[Revelation 21:21]] is highly significant, describing the street of the New Jerusalem as "pure gold, like transparent glass." This unique imagery powerfully conveys the unparalleled purity, brilliance, and divine clarity of God's eternal city. The transparency signifies an absolute absence of blemish, an unhindered manifestation of divine glory, and a complete transformation of creation. It underscores the perfection of God's redeemed dwelling, where everything is bathed in the pure, unadulterated light of His presence, with nothing hidden or obscured.
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