### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ἐπιφάνεια (epipháneia)**, represented by `{{G2015}}`, denotes a **manifestation** or **advent**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**. The term is used specifically to refer to the advent of Christ, pointing to both his past arrival and his future return, and is also translated as **brightness**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2015}}` has a dual focus. It refers to Christ’s first coming as an event that has already occurred, an **appearing** that "made manifest" the abolition of death and "brought life and immortality to light" [[2 Timothy 1:10]]. More frequently, it points to the future. Believers are instructed to remain faithful "until the **appearing** of our Lord Jesus Christ" [[1 Timothy 6:14]] and to look for "the glorious **appearing**" as a "blessed hope" [[Titus 2:13]]. This future event is also tied to judgment, when Christ shall "judge the quick and the dead at his **appearing**" [[2 Timothy 4:1]]. In one instance, it conveys a sense of overwhelming power, where the Lord will destroy the Wicked with the **brightness** of his coming [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the meaning of manifestation and advent:
* `{{G5319}}` **phaneróō** (to render apparent): This verb is directly linked to the effect of Christ's first coming, which was "made **manifest**" by his **appearing** [[2 Timothy 1:10]].
* `{{G3952}}` **parousía** (coming, presence): This term is used alongside `{{G2015}}` to describe the second advent, where the Lord will destroy his enemy with the "brightness `{{G2015}}` of his **coming** `{{G3952}}`" [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]].
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory): The future hope of believers is described as the "**glorious** `{{G1391}}` appearing `{{G2015}}` of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" [[Titus 2:13]], defining the character of his return.
* `{{G601}}` **apokalýptō** (to disclose): This term is used for the "Wicked" who will be "**revealed**" just before being consumed by the "brightness" `{{G2015}}` of Christ's return [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2015}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of Christ's work and identity.
* **Past Manifestation:** The word establishes Christ's first incarnation as a historical **appearing** that revealed God's plan of salvation and brought life to light through the gospel [[2 Timothy 1:10]].
* **Future Hope and Reward:** The future **appearing** is the focal point of Christian hope [[Titus 2:13]]. A crown of righteousness is explicitly promised to those who "love his **appearing**" [[2 Timothy 4:8]].
* **Divine Judgment:** Christ’s return is not only a hope but also a time of judgment. His **appearing** is the moment He will judge humanity [[2 Timothy 4:1]] and destroy lawlessness with His sheer **brightness** [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2015}}` is a precise term that encapsulates the pivotal moments of Christ’s interaction with the world. It is not a general appearance, but a decisive manifestation. It looks back to the first advent that brought salvation and forward to the second advent that will bring ultimate judgment, reward, and the glorious consummation of God's kingdom.
TRV