from ἐπιφανής; a manifestation, i.e. (specially) the advent of Christ (past or future):--appearing, brightness.
Transliteration:epipháneia
Pronunciation:ep-if-an'-i-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term epipháneia (`{{G2015}}`) is derived from the verb epiphainō ("to appear, shine upon") and the adjective epiphanēs ("manifest, prominent, illustrious"). Its core meaning is "a shining forth," "manifestation," or "appearance." It conveys the idea of something previously hidden or obscure becoming visible, evident, and often glorious. In a secular context, it could refer to the appearance of a god or a celebrated person. Theologically, epipháneia carries a specialized meaning, referring almost exclusively to the advent or glorious manifestation of Christ. This can encompass both His first coming (incarnation) and, more predominantly in the New Testament, His future, glorious second coming (Parousia). The term inherently suggests a significant, often sudden, and divinely orchestrated appearance that reveals power, glory, or purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word epipháneia occurs six times in the New Testament, primarily within the Pastoral Epistles, where it consistently refers to the manifestation of Christ:
* **[[2 Timothy 1:10]]**: "but has now been revealed by the appearing (epipháneia) of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." Here, epipháneia refers to the decisive historical event of Christ's first coming—His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection—which brought salvation and revelation.
* **[[2 Timothy 4:1]]**: "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing (epipháneia) and His kingdom." This passage clearly points to the future, eschatological appearance of Christ as the righteous judge and sovereign king.
* **[[2 Timothy 4:8]]**: "Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing (epipháneia)." This verse underscores the hope and anticipation of believers for Christ's future return, linking it to divine reward and justice.
* **[[Titus 2:13]]**: "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing (epipháneia) of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." This is a profound Christological statement, identifying Jesus as "our great God and Savior," whose future epipháneia is the object of Christian hope. The preceding verse (Titus 2:11) uses the related verb epephanē ("has appeared") to describe the manifestation of God's grace in Christ's first coming, thus juxtaposing the two advents.
* **[[1 Timothy 6:14]]**: "that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing (epipháneia)." The expectation of Christ's future epipháneia serves as a powerful motivation for steadfast obedience and moral purity in the present.
* **[[2 Thessalonians 2:8]]**: "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness (epipháneia) of His coming." In this apocalyptic context, epipháneia describes the overwhelming, glorious, and destructive manifestation of Christ's presence at His Parousia (`{{G3952}}`), by which He will decisively defeat the forces of evil. The translation "brightness" here emphasizes the luminous and powerful aspect of His manifestation.
### Related Words & Concepts
epipháneia is closely related to several other significant Greek terms in the New Testament that speak to divine revelation and appearance:
* **parousia (`{{G3952}}`)**: Often translated "coming" or "presence," this term refers to the arrival or presence of a person, especially in the context of a royal or official visit. While parousia denotes the *event* of arrival, epipháneia emphasizes the *manifestation* or *shining forth* of that arrival, particularly in its glorious and revelatory nature. The two are often used interchangeably or in conjunction, as in [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]].
* **apokalypsis (`{{G602}}`)**: Meaning "revelation" or "unveiling," this word focuses on the act of making something known that was previously hidden. epipháneia is the *visible event* of that manifestation. Both terms speak to divine disclosure, but apokalypsis highlights the content revealed, while epipháneia emphasizes the glorious visible appearance.
* **phaneroō (`{{G5319}}`)**: The verb "to make visible, manifest, reveal." This is the verbal root from which epipháneia is derived (via epiphanēs). While phaneroō describes the general act of making something clear or apparent, epipháneia is the noun describing the *event* of such a manifestation, often with a specific focus on the divine and glorious appearances of Christ.
* **doxa (`{{G1391}}`)**: "Glory." The epipháneia of Christ is inherently linked to His divine glory. His appearances, both past and future, are manifestations of His inherent splendor and majesty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of epipháneia is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Christological Affirmation**: The exclusive application of epipháneia to Jesus Christ underscores His unique divine identity. His "appearing" is not merely a human event but a divine act, a powerful self-disclosure of God in human history. The phrase "glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" in [[Titus 2:13]] is a strong affirmation of Christ's deity.
2. **The Two Advents**: epipháneia elegantly encapsulates the biblical doctrine of Christ's two comings:
* **First Advent**: His initial epipháneia (e.g., [[2 Timothy 1:10]]) brought grace, salvation, the abolition of death, and the revelation of life and immortality. It was a manifestation of God's redemptive love and power.
* **Second Advent**: Predominantly, epipháneia refers to Christ's future, glorious return. This future epipháneia will mark the consummation of God's plan, the final judgment of evil, the full establishment of His kingdom, and the ultimate vindication and reward of His saints.
3. **Eschatological Hope**: For believers, the epipháneia of Christ is the "blessed hope" ([[Titus 2:13]]). This confident expectation of His glorious return serves as a powerful motivation for living a life of godliness, purity, and steadfastness in the present age (e.g., [[1 Timothy 6:14]]). It provides assurance of ultimate justice and the fulfillment of all God's promises.
4. **Divine Power and Triumph**: Especially in [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]], epipháneia highlights the overwhelming power and authority of Christ. His glorious manifestation will utterly destroy the "lawless one," signifying the decisive triumph of God's sovereign will over all evil. It is a display of divine majesty that cannot be resisted.
### Summary
epipháneia (`{{G2015}}`) signifies a "shining forth" or "manifestation," specifically referring in the New Testament to the advent of Jesus Christ. It encompasses both His past redemptive appearance in the incarnation (e.g., [[2 Timothy 1:10]]) and, more frequently, His future, glorious return as judge and king (e.g., [[Titus 2:13]], [[2 Timothy 4:8]]). This term emphasizes the revelatory, powerful, and often sudden nature of Christ's comings, underscoring His divine authority and the ultimate triumph of God's plan. For believers, the epipháneia of Christ is the focal point of their eschatological hope, motivating them to live in anticipation of His glorious manifestation. It is closely related to concepts like parousia (`{{G3952}}`) and apokalypsis (`{{G602}}`), highlighting the visible, glorious, and decisive nature of Christ's appearances in salvation history.
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