from ἐμφανής; to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words):--appear, declare (plainly), inform, (will) manifest, shew, signify.
Transliteration:emphanízō
Pronunciation:em-fan-id'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐμφανίζω (G1718), transliterated as *emphanízō*, derives from the adjective ἐμφανής (`{{G1717}}`), meaning "visible" or "manifest." Its core meaning revolves around the act of making something visible, apparent, or known. This can involve a physical appearance, a public declaration, or the disclosure of information that was previously hidden or unknown. The semantic range of ἐμφανίζω thus includes:
* To exhibit or show oneself (a personal appearance).
* To disclose or make known (by words or actions).
* To declare plainly or inform.
* To manifest or reveal.
* To signify or indicate.
It implies bringing something into the light, making it clear or evident.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐμφανίζω appears eight times in the New Testament, across Acts, John, and Hebrews, showcasing its diverse applications:
* **Acts 23:15, 22; 24:1; 25:2, 15:** In the book of Acts, ἐμφανίζω is consistently used in a legal or informational context, signifying the act of "informing," "making known," or "declaring plainly" to an authority figure. For example, in [[Acts 23:15]], the Jewish leaders plan to "signify" (ἐμφανίζω) to the chief captain their desire for Paul to be brought before them. Similarly, in [[Acts 24:1]] and [[Acts 25:2, 15]], it describes the act of "informing" the governor or Festus against Paul, presenting accusations or making facts known. This usage highlights the word's capacity to convey a formal or official disclosure of information.
* **John 14:21-22:** This is a profoundly significant theological usage. Here, Jesus promises to "manifest" (ἐμφανίζω) Himself to those who love Him and keep His commandments. [[John 14:21]] states, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." Judas (not Iscariot) then asks in [[John 14:22]], "Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?" This context clearly indicates a special, intimate, and spiritual revelation of Christ to His disciples, distinct from a general, public appearance or a mere physical showing. It speaks to a deeper, personal encounter and understanding.
* **Hebrews 9:24:** In this verse, ἐμφανίζω describes Christ's entrance into heaven: "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear (ἐμφανίζω) in the presence of God for us." Here, it signifies Christ's personal, redemptive presence and appearance before God the Father on behalf of believers, emphasizing His ongoing intercessory work as our High Priest.
* **Hebrews 11:14:** This passage speaks of the patriarchs: "For they that say such things declare plainly (ἐμφανίζω) that they seek a country." Here, it refers to a public declaration or an evident demonstration of their true intentions and aspirations, making their longing for a heavenly homeland unmistakably clear through their words and actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap with ἐμφανίζω, yet each carries distinct nuances:
* `{{G5319}}` (φανερόω - *phaneroō*): To make manifest, reveal, make visible. This is a very common term for revelation, often used interchangeably with ἐμφανίζω in some contexts, but ἐμφανίζω can imply a more direct, intentional, or specific appearance/disclosure, sometimes with a legal or formal overtone not always present in *phaneroō*.
* `{{G3700}}` (ὀπτάνομαι - *optanomai*): To appear, be seen, often implying a visual perception or an unexpected appearance.
* `{{G1717}}` (ἐμφανής - *emphanēs*): The root adjective, meaning "manifest," "visible," or "apparent," reinforcing the core concept of making something evident.
* `{{G601}}` (ἀποκαλύπτω - *apokalyptō*): To uncover, unveil, reveal, often implying the removal of a covering to disclose something hidden.
The concepts associated with ἐμφανίζω include revelation, disclosure, appearance, showing forth, making known, and signifying.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐμφανίζω is profound, particularly in its application to divine revelation. The usage in [[John 14:21-22]] stands out as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christ's relationship with His followers. The "manifestation" Jesus promises is not a mere physical reappearance to the world, but an intimate, spiritual, and revelatory experience for those who are obedient and loving. This highlights the personal and relational aspect of divine knowledge and presence; God reveals Himself deeply to those who draw near to Him in faith and obedience.
Furthermore, in [[Hebrews 9:24]], Christ's "appearing" (ἐμφανίζω) in heaven before God is crucial for understanding His ongoing high priestly ministry. His presence in the heavenly sanctuary is a perpetual manifestation of His completed work of atonement and His continuous intercession on behalf of His people. This appearance is not for a new sacrifice, but to present the efficacy of His one sacrifice.
The contrast between the mundane, legal usage in Acts and the divine, personal usage in John and Hebrews underscores the versatility of the word and, more importantly, the multifaceted ways in which God reveals Himself and His truth—from clear propositional declarations to profound personal encounters.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐμφανίζω (G1718) fundamentally means to make visible, manifest, or known. Its semantic range encompasses both the practical act of "informing" or "declaring plainly" (as frequently seen in the legal contexts of Acts) and the profound theological concept of "manifesting" or "appearing" in a revelatory sense. Most notably, in [[John 14:21-22]], it describes Christ's unique, intimate, and spiritual self-revelation to His obedient followers, distinguishing it from a general public display. In [[Hebrews 9:24]], it denotes Christ's redemptive appearance in the presence of God in heaven, signifying His ongoing intercessory work. Thus, ἐμφανίζω encapsulates both the disclosure of information and the personal, often divine, manifestation of truth or presence, underscoring the dynamic ways in which God reveals Himself and His will to humanity.
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