from ἐπί and δεικνύω; to exhibit (physically or mentally):--shew.
Transliteration:epideíknymi
Pronunciation:ep-ee-dike'-noo-mee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1925}}` (epideíknymi) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon," "to," or "in addition to," and the verb δεικνύω (deiknyo - `{{G1166}}`), meaning "to show," "to point out," or "to make known." The prefix epi- serves to intensify or direct the action of showing, thus conveying a sense of "showing forth," "exhibiting," "displaying," or "demonstrating clearly." Its semantic range encompasses both physical and mental/verbal manifestations. It can refer to the act of presenting an object for observation, demonstrating a skill, proving a point, or making something evident and undeniable to others. The nuance often implies a deliberate and purposeful act of making something visible or known.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1925}}` appears several times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its specific shade of meaning:
* **Physical Display/Presentation:**
* In [[Matthew 24:1]], the disciples "showed" (ἐπιδεῖξαι) Jesus the temple buildings. This is a straightforward act of pointing out and displaying a physical structure.
* In [[Luke 17:14]], Jesus commands the ten lepers to "show" (ἐπιδείξατε) themselves to the priests. This act was a necessary step for their ritual cleansing and re-entry into society according to the Mosaic Law, requiring a public presentation of their healed state.
* In [[Acts 9:39]], the widows "showed" (ἐπεδείκνυντο) Peter the tunics and garments Dorcas had made. These items served as tangible evidence of her charitable deeds and character, a silent but powerful display of her good works.
* **Demonstration/Proof (often with a challenging or authoritative tone):**
* In [[Matthew 16:1]], the Pharisees and Sadducees demand that Jesus "show" (ἐπιδεῖξαι) them a sign from heaven. Here, `{{G1925}}` carries the sense of exhibiting undeniable proof of divine authority, often in a challenging or testing manner. Jesus' refusal indicates that divine revelation is not subject to human demands for spectacle.
* In [[Acts 18:28]], Apollos "powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating" (ἐπιδεικνύς) from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. This is an intellectual and verbal demonstration, where Apollos's rigorous argumentation made the truth evident and undeniable through scriptural proof.
* **Divine Demonstration/Assurance:**
* In [[Hebrews 6:17]], it states that God, "desiring to show" (ἐπιδεῖξαι) more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His counsel, confirmed it with an oath. This usage highlights God's deliberate and active intention to make His steadfastness and purposes undeniably clear and certain to His people, providing profound assurance.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G1925}}` shares a root with, and is related to, several other Greek terms:
* δεικνύω (deiknyo - `{{G1166}}`): The base verb, meaning "to show," "to point out," or "to make known." `{{G1925}}` adds emphasis or a specific direction to this basic action.
* ἀποδείκνυμι (apodeiknymi - `{{G584}}`): Meaning "to demonstrate," "to prove," or "to show forth." This word often implies a formal or conclusive demonstration, similar to `{{G1925}}` in its sense of "proving."
* φανερόω (phaneroo - `{{G5319}}`): "To make manifest," "to reveal," "to make visible." While `{{G1925}}` emphasizes the act of showing, `{{G5319}}` focuses on the state of being made visible or known, often implying something previously hidden.
* δῆλος (delos - `{{G1212}}`): An adjective meaning "clear," "evident," or "manifest," related to the concept of something being shown or made clear.
The concepts associated with `{{G1925}}` include proof, evidence, demonstration, revelation, manifestation, display, and exhibition.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1925}}` is multifaceted, touching upon divine action, human response, and the nature of truth:
* **Divine Revelation and Assurance:** Perhaps its most profound theological use is in [[Hebrews 6:17]], where God "shows" the immutability of His counsel. This underscores God's active and intentional engagement in making His character, promises, and plans undeniably clear to humanity. It highlights God's desire to provide absolute certainty and unwavering assurance to His people, thereby strengthening their faith and hope.
* **The Nature of Signs and Wonders:** The demand for Jesus to "show" a sign in [[Matthew 16:1]] illustrates the human desire for tangible, undeniable proof. Jesus' refusal to "show" a sign on demand often emphasizes that divine revelation is not for mere curiosity or testing, but for faith that responds to the signs already given through His ministry and person.
* **Evidence of Transformation and Good Works:** The "showing" of Dorcas's garments in [[Acts 9:39]] serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith expressed through love and service. It demonstrates that genuine faith is not merely internal but manifests in outward, observable deeds that bear witness to God's work in a life.
* **The Power of Scriptural Demonstration:** Apollos's "demonstration" from the Scriptures in [[Acts 18:28]] highlights the importance of intellectual rigor and scriptural authority in proclaiming the Gospel. It underscores that Christian truth is not irrational but can be powerfully and convincingly "shown" through reasoned argument grounded in divine revelation.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G1925}}` (epideíknymi) signifies a deliberate and purposeful act of "showing forth," "exhibiting," or "demonstrating." Its usage in the New Testament ranges from simple physical display to profound theological demonstration. It highlights the clarity and certainty of God's divine counsel, the evidential nature of Christ's power and Messiahship (though not always on human demand), the tangible manifestation of genuine faith through good works, and the compelling power of reasoned argument and scriptural demonstration in proclaiming truth. In essence, `{{G1925}}` emphasizes that divine truth, power, and character are not merely hidden or abstract, but are actively and intentionally made evident, often for the purpose of conviction, assurance, or deeper understanding, inviting a response of faith and obedience.
TRV