from ἐνδείκνυμι; indication (abstractly):--declare, evident token, proof.
Transliteration:éndeixis
Pronunciation:en'-dike-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἔνδειξις (éndexis, `{{G1732}}`) is derived from the verb ἐνδείκνυμι (endeiknumi, `{{G1731}}`), which means "to point out," "to show forth," "to demonstrate," or "to exhibit." Consequently, ἔνδειξις fundamentally denotes an "indication," "demonstration," "proof," or "evidence." It is not merely a suggestion or a hint, but a clear and undeniable showing or manifestation of something. The abstract nature implied in its base definition ("indication (abstractly)") suggests it refers to the act of demonstrating or the resulting evidence itself, rather than a concrete object. It conveys the idea of making something known or evident, often through action or clear manifestation, thereby establishing its truth or reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔνδειξις appears four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its core meaning:
* **[[Romans 3:25]]**: "whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins." Here, "to show" (εἰς ἔνδειξιν) signifies a clear *demonstration* or *proof* of God's righteousness. The atoning work of Christ is presented as the definitive means by which God's justice is not only maintained but openly displayed, particularly in light of His having previously "passed over" sins.
* **[[Romans 3:26]]**: "It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." The repetition of "to show" (εἰς ἔνδειξιν) underscores the undeniable and public nature of this divine demonstration. The cross is the means by which God's righteousness is vindicated, allowing Him to be both perfectly just and mercifully the justifier of believers.
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:24]]**: "So give them proof (ἔνδειξιν) of your love and of our reason for boasting about you to the churches." In this context, ἔνδειξις refers to a tangible *demonstration* or *proof* of the Corinthians' love, specifically through their generosity in contributing to the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. It underscores that genuine love is not merely declared but evidenced by concrete actions.
* **[[Philippians 1:28]]**: "and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign (ἔνδειξις) to them of their destruction, but of your salvation—and that from God." Here, the steadfastness and unity of believers in the face of opposition serve as an "evident token" or "proof"—an undeniable sign—of the impending doom of their adversaries and the divine salvation of the believers. It is a clear indicator of God's sovereign work in the world.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** ἐνδείκνυμι (endeiknumi, `{{G1731}}`): The verb from which ἔνδειξις is derived, meaning "to show forth," "to demonstrate," or "to exhibit." The noun is the *result* or *act* of this showing.
* **Related Nouns:**
* σημεῖον (sēmeion, `{{G4592}}`): "Sign," "miracle," "token." While similar in conveying evidence, σημεῖον often implies a miraculous or extraordinary sign. ἔνδειξις is more about a clear, logical demonstration or proof.
* ἀπόδειξις (apodeixis, `{{G585}}`): "Proof," "demonstration." This word carries a stronger sense of logical, compelling proof, often used in rhetoric or argumentation. ἔνδειξις is broader, encompassing any clear manifestation.
* μαρτυρία (martyria, `{{G3141}}`): "Testimony," "witness." This relates to verbal or personal evidence. While ἔνδειξις can be a demonstration that serves as testimony, it is not limited to verbal witness.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Divine Revelation:** God's act of making Himself or His will known. ἔνδειξις is a means by which this revelation occurs, particularly concerning His attributes.
* **Justification:** The theological concept of being declared righteous. In [[Romans 3:25-26]], ἔνδειξις plays a crucial role in demonstrating how God can be both just and the justifier.
* **Sanctification/Practical Righteousness:** As seen in [[2 Corinthians 8:24]], ἔνδειξις highlights the need for tangible evidence of faith and love in the believer's life.
### Theological Significance
The most profound theological significance of ἔνδειξις lies in its pivotal use in [[Romans 3:25-26]]. Here, it is the means by which God *demonstrates* or *proves* His righteousness. This is not merely an assertion of divine character but a visible, undeniable display of God's perfect justice. Prior to Christ, God, in His divine forbearance, had "passed over" (παρεῖδεν) sins, which could potentially raise questions about His justice. The cross, as the *ἔνδειξις* of God's righteousness, provides the definitive answer. It shows that God's forgiveness is not a compromise of His justice, but rather a just act made possible by Christ's atoning sacrifice, which fully satisfies the demands of divine justice. Thus, ἔνδειξις highlights the *active* and *demonstrative* nature of God's work in salvation. His righteousness is not a hidden attribute but one openly displayed for all to see and comprehend, particularly through the cross, thereby assuring believers of the integrity of God's character in salvation.
Beyond this core theological truth, ἔνδειξις also underscores that Christian love and commitment are not merely sentiments but require tangible *demonstrations* or *proofs* ([[2 Corinthians 8:24]]). True faith and love are evidenced by action. Similarly, in [[Philippians 1:28]], the word signifies that the steadfastness of believers in persecution serves as a clear, divine *sign* or *proof* of ultimate spiritual realities—God's judgment on the ungodly and His salvation for the faithful. It is a divine token of eschatological truth.
### Summary
The Greek word ἔνδειξις (éndexis, `{{G1732}}`) denotes a clear "indication," "demonstration," "proof," or "evident token." Derived from the verb "to show forth," it emphasizes the act or result of making something undeniably manifest. Its most significant theological application is found in [[Romans 3:25-26]], where the cross of Christ is presented as God's ultimate *ἔνδειξις* of His righteousness. This demonstrates how God can be simultaneously just and the justifier of those who believe, resolving the tension between His holiness and His mercy. Beyond this pivotal theological truth, ἔνδειξις also highlights the necessity of tangible *proofs* in Christian living, whether in demonstrating love through generosity ([[2 Corinthians 8:24]]) or in the steadfastness of faith serving as a divine *sign* of ultimate salvation and judgment ([[Philippians 1:28]]). It consistently points to a clear, undeniable manifestation of truth or reality, often with profound spiritual implications.
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