from ἐπί and φαίνω; to shine upon, i.e. become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known:--appear, give light.
Transliteration:epiphaínō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-fah'-ee-no
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ἐπιφαίνω (epiphaínō) is a compound Greek verb derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "over," and φαίνω (phainō) `{{G5316}}`, meaning "to shine" or "to appear." The core literal meaning is "to shine upon," "to cause to appear," or "to become visible." This implies a manifestation, a bringing into light from obscurity. Figuratively, it extends to "to make known," "to reveal," or "to manifest oneself." This often carries the connotation of a sudden, striking, or significant appearance, particularly of divine or powerful entities. The prefix ἐπί adds a sense of direction or intensity to the shining/appearing, suggesting something that shines *upon* or *over* something else, drawing attention to it, rather than a mere general shining.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐπιφαίνω appears four times in the New Testament, each instance carrying significant contextual weight:
* **[[Luke 1:79]]**: "to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Here, in Zechariah's prophecy concerning John the Baptist, ἐπιφαίνω describes the dawning of spiritual light and salvation. It signifies a divine visitation, a breaking forth of God's redemptive purpose upon a people living in spiritual obscurity. The light is not merely illumination but also guidance and deliverance.
* **[[Acts 27:20]]**: "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and no small storm continued, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned." In this narrative of Paul's shipwreck, ἐπιφαίνω is used literally to describe the non-appearance of celestial bodies. The absence of their shining signifies extreme danger and hopelessness, underscoring the physical manifestation aspect of the word in a dire situation.
* **[[Titus 2:11]]**: "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people." This is a profound theological statement. The "grace of God" (ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ) is personified as something that has "shone forth" or "manifested." This unequivocally refers to the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the ultimate divine appearance. It implies a saving, transformative revelation that is universal in its scope.
* **[[Titus 3:4]]**: "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared." Similar to [[Titus 2:11]], this verse uses ἐπιφαίνω to describe the manifestation of God's benevolent character through Christ. It emphasizes the compassionate nature of God's revelation, contrasting with humanity's prior state of sinfulness and leading to regeneration and renewal.
In all its New Testament occurrences, ἐπιφαίνω, whether literal or figurative, denotes a significant, often revelatory, appearance that changes circumstances or understanding.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **φαίνω (phainō) `{{G5316}}`**: The root word, meaning "to shine," "to appear," or "to be evident." ἐπιφαίνω is a more specific and intensified form, emphasizing a shining *upon* or a significant manifestation.
* **ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia) `{{G2015}}`**: This is the noun form directly derived from ἐπιφαίνω, meaning "appearance," "manifestation," or "splendor." In the New Testament, it is predominantly used to refer to the "appearing" or "coming" of Christ, particularly His second advent (e.g., [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]], [[1 Timothy 6:14]], [[2 Timothy 1:10]], [[2 Timothy 4:1]], [[2 Timothy 4:8]], [[Titus 2:13]]). This noun underscores the theological weight and eschatological significance of ἐπιφαίνω.
* **ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō) `{{G601}}`**: "To uncover," "to reveal," "to disclose." While ἐπιφαίνω emphasizes the act of appearing or shining forth, ἀποκαλύπτω focuses on the removal of a veil, making something hidden known. Both relate to revelation, but with distinct nuances.
* **φανερόω (phaneroō) `{{G5319}}`**: "To make manifest," "to make visible," "to reveal." This word is semantically very close to ἐπιφαίνω and is often used interchangeably in contexts of divine manifestation (e.g., [[John 1:31]], [[1 Timothy 3:16]]). ἐπιφαίνω might carry a slightly stronger connotation of a sudden or striking appearance or a focused shining.
* **Light and Darkness**: The concept of light overcoming darkness is central to the usage of ἐπιφαίνω, particularly in [[Luke 1:79]]. It aligns with broader biblical themes of salvation, truth, and divine presence dispelling ignorance, sin, and spiritual death.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπιφαίνω is profound, especially in its application to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
* **Divine Manifestation and Incarnation**: The most significant use of ἐπιφαίνω is in relation to God's self-revelation. In [[Titus 2:11]] and [[Titus 3:4]], it describes the "appearing" of God's grace, goodness, and loving-kindness in the person of Jesus Christ. This refers to the Incarnation, the pivotal moment when the invisible God became visible and tangible, shining forth His character to humanity. This "appearing" is not merely an event but a saving act, demonstrating God's active intervention in human history.
* **The Dawn of Salvation**: In [[Luke 1:79]], the word signifies the dawning of salvation, a divine light breaking into the darkness of human existence. It connects Old Testament prophetic anticipation of a coming deliverer with the New Testament reality of Christ's advent, portraying God's active intervention to bring redemption.
* **Basis for Christian Hope (Eschatology)**: When coupled with its noun form ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia) `{{G2015}}`, ἐπιφαίνω forms the theological basis for the Christian hope in the future glorious appearing of Christ (the Parousia). Just as God's grace appeared in the first advent, so too will His glory appear in the second, bringing final salvation and judgment. This establishes a pattern of divine visitation and manifestation that spans redemptive history.
* **Transformative Revelation**: The "shining upon" of God's grace and goodness is not passive; it is inherently transformative. It brings salvation ([[Titus 2:11]]) and leads to regeneration and renewal ([[Titus 3:4]]). The divine light illuminates and changes those upon whom it shines, dispelling spiritual darkness and guiding into peace and righteousness.
### Summary
ἐπιφαίνω (epiphaínō) is a Greek verb meaning "to shine upon," "to appear," or "to manifest." Formed from ἐπί (upon) and φαίνω (to shine), it denotes a significant, often sudden, and impactful appearance, bringing something into light or making it known. While it can describe literal phenomena like the sun appearing ([[Acts 27:20]]), its primary theological weight in the New Testament lies in its use to describe divine manifestation. It powerfully articulates the "appearing" of God's grace, goodness, and loving-kindness in the person of Jesus Christ, marking the dawn of salvation ([[Luke 1:79]], [[Titus 2:11]], [[Titus 3:4]]). This concept is closely linked to ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia) `{{G2015}}`, which refers to the glorious appearing of Christ, both His first advent and His promised second coming. Thus, ἐπιφαίνω encapsulates the core Christian belief in a God who actively reveals Himself, shining His light into the world to bring salvation and transformation.
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