from κατά intensive and δῆλος; manifest:--far more evident.
Transliteration:katádēlos
Pronunciation:kat-ad'-ay-los
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective κατάδηλος (katádēlos) `{{G2612}}` is a compound word derived from the intensive prefix κατά (katá) and the adjective δῆλος (dēlos) `{{G1212}}`, meaning "clear," "evident," or "manifest." The prefix κατά serves to intensify the meaning of δῆλος, thereby conveying a sense of something that is "far more evident," "unmistakably clear," or "profoundly manifest." It denotes a degree of clarity or obviousness that transcends mere visibility, suggesting an undeniable truth or reality that leaves no room for ambiguity or doubt. The word points to a manifestation that is so striking and complete as to be beyond question.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κατάδηλος (katádēlos) `{{G2612}}` appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Hebrews.
* [[Hebrews 7:15]]: "And this is *far more evident*, that after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest."
In this pivotal passage, the author of Hebrews is meticulously building a theological argument for the superiority and eternal nature of Jesus Christ's priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood. The use of κατάδηλος here is crucial. It underscores the undeniable and self-evident nature of the truth being presented: that the advent of a priest "after the likeness of Melchizedek" (referring to Christ) is not a subtle inference or a complex theological deduction, but a truth that is *manifestly clear* from the scriptural testimony itself. The emphatic clarity conveyed by κατάδηλος serves to solidify the foundation of the author's argument, asserting that the shift in priesthood from Aaron to Christ is a plain and undeniable divine reality, forming the basis for understanding the new covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δῆλος (dēlos) `{{G1212}}`**: The root word, meaning "clear," "evident," "manifest." κατάδηλος intensifies this base meaning.
* **φανερός (phaneros) `{{G5319}}`**: Meaning "manifest," "visible," "apparent." While φανερός denotes something made visible or apparent, κατάδηλος implies a heightened degree of clarity and incontrovertibility.
* **ἔκδηλος (ekdēlos) `{{G1618}}`**: Meaning "clearly evident," "manifest." Similar in force to κατάδηλος, both compounds emphasize clarity, but κατάδηλος often suggests a more thorough or complete manifestation.
* **ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō) `{{G601}}`**: Meaning "to reveal," "uncover." This verb describes the *act* of making something evident that was previously hidden, whereas κατάδηλος describes the *state* of being undeniably evident.
* **σαφής (saphēs) `{{G4585}}`**: Meaning "clear," "distinct," "plain." This term also speaks to clarity but lacks the intensive force of κατάδηλος.
Conceptually, κατάδηλος relates to the perspicuity of divine truth, the clarity of God's revelation, and the undeniable nature of His redemptive plan as revealed in Scripture.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent appearance of κατάδηλος in [[Hebrews 7:15]] carries profound theological weight. It highlights the divine insistence on the *unquestionable clarity* of certain foundational truths regarding Christ's person and work. The "far more evident" nature of Christ's Melchizedekian priesthood is not a minor detail but a central pillar of Christian theology, affirming the unique and eternal character of His mediatorial role.
This word underscores the reliability and perspicuity of Holy Scripture, particularly when it comes to doctrines essential for salvation and understanding God's covenantal purposes. God does not leave His people in ambiguity concerning the identity and function of His Son. The intensity of κατάδηλος implies that the truth about Christ's superior priesthood is not merely a theological proposition to be debated, but a divine reality that is unmistakably clear for those who receive the divine testimony. This inherent clarity demands recognition, acceptance, and a corresponding faith in the one who serves as our Great High Priest. It speaks to the absolute certainty of God's revelation concerning His Son.
### Summary
κατάδηλος (katádēlos) `{{G2612}}` is a powerful Greek adjective that signifies something "far more evident," "unmistakably clear," or "profoundly manifest." Formed by an intensive prefix κατά and the root δῆλος (evident), it conveys a degree of clarity that precludes doubt. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 7:15]] is highly significant, emphasizing the incontrovertible nature of Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. This word underscores the divine intention for crucial redemptive truths to be not merely discernible, but strikingly and unequivocally clear, demanding full recognition of God's revealed plan in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
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