The Greek word anadeíknymi, represented by G322, is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἀνά (aná, G303) meaning "up" or "again," and δεικνύω (deiknýō), meaning "to show" or "make known." This etymological construction suggests an intensified or clarified act of showing, such as "to show forth," "to exhibit," or "to make manifest." The core semantic range of anadeíknymi, as reflected in its usage, encompasses both the physical act of displaying something and the more abstract sense of indicating or formally appointing someone to a role.
The Strong's definition highlights this dual aspect, explaining it as "to exhibit, i.e. (by implication) to indicate, appoint." This indicates that while the root idea is "to show," the context often carries the implication of selection or designation. It is a term that denotes a clear and decisive act of making something or someone known, whether by revelation or by authoritative designation. This word is found in the New Testament, appearing 2 times in 2 unique verses.
In its New Testament occurrences, anadeíknymi demonstrates its distinct yet related meanings of "to appoint" and "to show" or "indicate." In Luke 10:1, the word is used to describe Jesus' action: "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come." Here, anadeíknymi clearly signifies a formal designation or commissioning. Jesus did not merely "show" the seventy, but actively "appointed" them to a specific mission, thereby exhibiting them as His chosen representatives. This usage emphasizes divine authority in selecting individuals for service.
The second instance is found in Acts 1:24, where the apostles are praying for guidance in choosing a successor to Judas Iscariot: "And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen." In this context, anadeíknymi conveys the sense of "to indicate" or "to reveal." The apostles are asking the Lord to make known His divine choice between the two candidates, demonstrating His preference. This usage highlights the concept of divine revelation in the selection of leadership, underscoring that the ultimate "showing" or "indicating" of a chosen one comes from God. Both verses, therefore, illustrate the authoritative nature of the act, whether it is an appointment to a task or a revelation of a divine choice.
- G303 aná (up, again): This is the prepositional prefix that forms the first part of anadeíknymi, contributing the sense of "up," "back," or "again," often intensifying the root verb or indicating completion.
- G321 anágō (to lead up): Sharing the prefix ἀνά, this word relates to anadeíknymi in its sense of bringing something or someone forth, though anágō typically refers to movement or leading, while G322 focuses on display or designation.
- G323 anádeixis (a showing forth): This noun is directly derived from anadeíknymi, representing the act or result of "showing forth," "exhibiting," or "appointing," thus encapsulating the core meaning of the verb.
- G312 anangéllō (to declare, report): This verb, also beginning with ἀνά, is related to anadeíknymi through the shared idea of making something known or public, but G312 emphasizes verbal declaration rather than visual exhibition or formal appointment.
- Divine Appointment for Service: The use of G322 in Luke 10:1 underscores the theological principle that God sovereignly "appoints" individuals for specific ministries and tasks within His kingdom. The seventy disciples were not self-appointed but were designated by the Lord Himself.
- Prayer for Divine Indication: In Acts 1:24, G322 highlights the early church's reliance on God to "shew" His chosen leader, particularly in matters of critical leadership succession. This demonstrates a theological conviction that God actively reveals His will in response to faithful prayer.
- God's Knowledge of Hearts: The prayer in Acts 1:24 explicitly states, "Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen," connecting G322 to God's omniscient understanding of human character and His perfect ability to select the right person for a divine calling.
The Greek verb anadeíknymi G322 encapsulates a significant action of making known or formally designating, rooted in its etymological components of ἀνά and δεικνύω. Its two New Testament occurrences vividly illustrate its semantic range. On one hand, it denotes the authoritative act of "appointing" or commissioning, as seen in Christ's selection of the seventy disciples for ministry in Luke 10:1. This usage emphasizes divine initiative and the formal establishment of individuals in service.
On the other hand, G322 conveys the idea of "showing" or "indicating" a divine choice, particularly in response to earnest prayer for God's revelation. This is evident in Acts 1:24, where the apostles petition the Lord to "shew" which of the two candidates He had chosen to fill the apostolic office. Both applications underscore God's active involvement in the lives and leadership of His people, whether through direct appointment or through revealing His sovereign will. Thus, anadeíknymi signifies a clear, decisive, and often divinely initiated act of presentation, designation, or revelation within the biblical narrative.
TRV