Word Study for G2014 (ἐπιφαίνω)

epiphaínō /ep-ee-fah'-ee-no/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἐπί and φαίνω

Meaningto shine upon, i.e. become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known

KJV usageappear, give light.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of epiphaínō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epiphaínō, represented by G2014, is defined as to shine upon, meaning to become literally visible or figuratively known. It is derived from ἐπί and φαίνω. This specific term appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, carrying both a physical and a profound theological meaning.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G2014 describes the act of appearing or giving light. In a literal sense, it is used in Acts to describe a severe storm where neither the sun G2246 nor the stars G798 appeared for many days Acts 27:20. More frequently, it is used figuratively to signify a divine revelation. In Luke, it describes the act to "give light" to those who sit in darkness G4655 and the shadow G4639 of death Luke 1:79. In Titus, the term signals the manifestation of God's redemptive character, as both the grace G5485 of God and His kindness G5544 and love G5363 are said to have appeared to humankind (Titus 2:11, Titus 3:4).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G2014 is used:

G2246 hḗlios: This word for the sun provides the literal anchor for G2014. The term is used when the sun fails to appear during a storm at sea, illustrating a physical manifestation, or lack thereof Acts 27:20.
G4655 skótos: Defined as darkness or obscurity, this word stands in direct opposition to the action of G2014. Light is given G2014 specifically to those who are in darkness Luke 1:79.
G5485 cháris: This word for graciousness or divine influence is made knowable through the action of G2014. It is the grace of God that brings salvation G4992 which has appeared to all people Titus 2:11.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2014 lies in its role as a term of divine manifestation and rescue.

Revelation of God's Character: The word is used to mark the point at which God's saving nature is made known. It is the kindness G5544 and love G5363 of God that appeared Titus 3:4, revealing His benevolent disposition toward humanity.
Initiating Salvation: This "appearing" is not passive; it is an action with a purpose. The grace that appeared G2014 is one that "bringeth salvation" G4992 Titus 2:11. Its function is to give light and guide G2720 people from death into peace Luke 1:79.
Overcoming Darkness: The act of shining upon is explicitly directed at those in peril. It brings light to those sitting in darkness G4655 and the "shadow of death" G4639, demonstrating a divine intervention against spiritual despair and ruin Luke 1:79.

Summary

In summary, G2014 is a dynamic word that signifies a transition from hiddenness to visibility. While it can describe the literal appearance of celestial bodies, its greater significance is in illustrating the active, purposeful revelation of God's saving character. It captures the moment God's grace G5485, kindness G5544, and love "shine upon" humanity, bringing light to a world in darkness.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb and a noun across 5 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

2nd Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
Genitive Singular Feminine 1×
Present Active Participle Genitive Plural Neuter 1×

Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter: Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Titus (2 verses); never once in the other 24.

Luke

Acts

Titus

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.