from a compound of ἐν and φαίνω; apparent in self:--manifest, openly.
Transliteration:emphanḗs
Pronunciation:em-fan-ace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G1717 (emphanḗs) is derived from the compound of ἐν (en, meaning "in" or "among") and φαίνω (phainō, meaning "to shine" or "to appear"). Etymologically, it conveys the sense of something "shining forth in" or "appearing within" itself, thereby becoming clearly visible or apparent. Its base definition points to something "manifest" or "openly" revealed. The core meaning emphasizes an undeniable visibility or a clear, self-evident presentation. It is not merely seen, but *made* evident, often suggesting an inherent quality or a deliberate act that brings something into plain sight. The semantic range thus includes concepts like being manifest, apparent, evident, or openly displayed, highlighting a distinct and unmistakable presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1717 (emphanḗs) appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance carrying profound theological weight:
1. **[[Acts 10:40]]**: "God raised him on the third day and made him ἐμφανῆ (emphanē – manifest/visible)."
* In Peter's sermon to Cornelius, this statement refers to the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. The use of emphanēs here underscores the objective and verifiable reality of Christ's resurrection. It was not a subjective vision or a spiritual apparition, but a tangible manifestation to chosen witnesses. This "making manifest" implies a deliberate act of God to establish the historical truth and physical reality of the resurrection, providing undeniable proof to those who would bear witness to it. The manifestation was concrete enough to be seen and interacted with, forming the bedrock of apostolic preaching.
2. **[[Romans 10:20]]**: "And Isaiah is so bold as to say, 'I was found by those who did not seek me; I became ἐμφανὴς (emphanēs – manifest) to those who did not ask for me.'"
* Paul quotes from Isaiah 65:1-2 to illustrate God's sovereign initiative in revealing Himself to the Gentiles. Here, emphanēs describes God's self-disclosure to those who were not actively seeking Him or inquiring about Him. This context highlights God's unmerited grace and proactive love, extending salvation beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel. The manifestation is not a reward for human effort or merit but a free, unbidden act of divine revelation, demonstrating God's expansive redemptive plan for all humanity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G1717 (emphanḗs) is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **φαίνω (phainō - `{{G5316}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to shine" or "to appear." Emphanēs specifies *how* something appears – clearly, from within, or by its own nature.
* **φανερόω (phaneroō - `{{G5319}}`)**: A verb meaning "to make manifest," "to reveal," or "to make known." While very similar in semantic range, emphanēs is an adjective describing the *state* of being manifest, whereas phaneroō describes the *act* of manifesting. Both point to something being brought into clear view.
* **ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō - `{{G601}}`)**: "To uncover," "to reveal." This term often implies the unveiling of something previously hidden or secret. While related to revelation, emphanēs emphasizes the *clarity* and *undeniable nature* of what is revealed, rather than merely its transition from hiddenness to openness.
* **δῆλος (dēlos - `{{G1212}}`)**: "Clear," "evident," "plain." A more general term for clarity. Emphanēs carries a stronger nuance of being *shown forth* or *made apparent* in a compelling way.
* **Divine Revelation**: The concept of God making Himself known, whether through His Son, His Word, or His actions. Emphanēs speaks to the clarity and purposefulness of such revelation.
* **Resurrection Appearances**: The historical events following Christ's resurrection where He presented Himself alive to His disciples, establishing the truth of His victory over death.
* **God's Initiative in Salvation**: The theological truth that God acts first in bringing about salvation, often reaching out to those who are not seeking Him, as seen in the call to the Gentiles.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but potent use of G1717 (emphanḗs) carries significant theological weight:
1. **Verifiable Reality of the Resurrection**: In [[Acts 10:40]], emphanēs underscores that Christ's resurrection was not a spiritual fantasy or a subjective experience, but a concrete, historical event witnessed by chosen individuals. This "making manifest" provided the empirical foundation for the apostles' proclamation, ensuring that the Christian faith is rooted in a verifiable act of God in history. It speaks to the objective truth of Christ's victory over death and His continued, living presence.
2. **God's Sovereign Grace and Initiative**: The use in [[Romans 10:20]] highlights the radical nature of God's grace. His emphanēs revelation to the Gentiles who were not seeking Him demonstrates that salvation is fundamentally an act of divine initiative, not human merit or spiritual pursuit. This challenges any notion that one must earn God's attention or favor, emphasizing instead His boundless love and desire to bring all people to Himself. It reveals a God who actively seeks and manifests Himself to the lost.
3. **Clarity and Purpose of Divine Self-Disclosure**: Across both contexts, emphanēs implies a clear, unmistakable, and purposeful act of self-disclosure by God. Whether in the person of the resurrected Christ or in the call to the Gentiles, God does not remain hidden but makes Himself undeniably evident. This term speaks to the reliability and directness of God's communication to humanity, ensuring that His redemptive purposes are made known with clarity and authority.
### Summary
The Greek word G1717 (emphanḗs), meaning "manifest" or "openly apparent," denotes something made unmistakably clear and evident, often by its own nature or through divine action. Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, its usage is profoundly significant. In [[Acts 10:40]], it confirms the objective, verifiable reality of Christ's post-resurrection appearances, establishing the historical foundation of the Christian faith. In [[Romans 10:20]], it powerfully conveys God's sovereign and gracious initiative in revealing Himself to the Gentiles, demonstrating that salvation is a gift freely extended to those who did not seek Him. Thus, emphanēs speaks to the clarity, purpose, and undeniable nature of God's self-disclosure in redemptive history, whether through the Incarnate and Resurrected Son or through His expansive call to all nations.
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