probably from the same base as μασσάομαι and μνάομαι (i.e. , to strive); to disclose (through the idea of mental effort and thus calling to mind), i.e. report, declare, intimate:--shew, tell.
Transliteration:mēnýō
Pronunciation:may-noo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μηνύω (G3377, *mēnýō*) carries the core meaning of "to disclose," "to make known," "to report," or "to declare." Its etymological root suggests a connection to the idea of mental effort and calling to mind, implying a deliberate act of revealing something that was previously hidden, unknown, or unclear. Unlike a casual utterance, *mēnýō* denotes a purposeful communication of specific information. It can encompass the act of showing, telling, or intimating, often with the intent of informing or warning. The emphasis is on the act of bringing something into the open, making it manifest to others, whether it be a fact, a plot, or a divine truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of μηνύω (G3377) in the New Testament illustrate its nuanced meaning:
* **[[Luke 20:37]]**: "But that the dead are raised, even Moses *showed* (ἐμήνυσεν), in the account of the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." Here, *mēnýō* refers to Moses' act of revealing or making known a profound theological truth about God's ongoing relationship with the patriarchs, implying their continued existence beyond death. It is a disclosure of divine truth.
* **[[John 11:57]]**: "Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone *knew* (γνοῖ) where he was, he should *report* (μηνύσῃ) it, so that they might seize him." In this context, *mēnýō* signifies the act of reporting or disclosing specific, vital information (Lazarus's whereabouts) to authorities, highlighting its use in legal or official communication, often with significant consequences.
* **[[Acts 23:30]]**: "When it was *disclosed* (μηνυσάσης) to me that there would be a plot against the man, I immediately sent him to you and also ordered his accusers to state before you what they have against him." Here, *mēnýō* describes the act of revealing or informing about a hidden danger or conspiracy. It underscores the urgency and importance of the information being conveyed, which directly impacted Paul's safety.
* **[[1 Corinthians 10:28]]**: "But if someone *says* (εἴπῃ) to you, 'This has been offered in sacrifice,' do not eat it, for the sake of the one who *informed* (μηνύσαντος) you, and for the sake of conscience." In this ethical instruction, *mēnýō* denotes the act of informing or making known a specific fact (that the food was sacrificed to idols), which then has implications for the believer's actions and conscience. It is a disclosure of relevant, practical information.
Across these contexts, *mēnýō* consistently conveys the idea of a deliberate, often significant, act of making something known that was not previously apparent or widely understood.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G601 ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō)**: "to uncover," "to reveal." While *apokalyptō* often implies the unveiling of mysteries or divine truths, *mēnýō* focuses more on the act of making known specific information or facts, whether mundane or profound. *Apokalyptō* might reveal the nature of something, while *mēnýō* might report its existence or details.
* **G1213 δηλόω (dēloō)**: "to make clear," "to show," "to explain." Similar to *mēnýō* in making something known, but *dēloō* often emphasizes clarity or demonstration, whereas *mēnýō* can imply a more direct, perhaps even urgent, disclosure of information.
* **G3004 λέγω (legō)** and **G2036 ἐρῶ (erō)**: General words for "to say" or "to speak." *Mēnýō* is more specific, denoting a deliberate act of disclosing particular information, rather than merely uttering words. It carries a stronger sense of purpose and often the revelation of something previously unknown to the recipient.
* **G134 ἀγγέλλω (angellō)**: "to announce," "to report." This word is closely related, as both involve conveying information. However, *mēnýō* often carries the nuance of disclosing something that might be hidden or that requires an effort to bring to light, whereas *angellō* can be a more general announcement.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μηνύω (G3377) lies primarily in its application to both divine and human communication of truth and critical information.
1. **Divine Disclosure**: In [[Luke 20:37]], Moses *showing* God's nature from the burning bush highlights God's active role in revealing Himself and His truths to humanity. This underscores the concept of special revelation, where God does not leave humanity in ignorance but purposefully makes known aspects of His character and plan. The resurrection, a core Christian doctrine, is here shown to be foreshadowed by God's self-disclosure to Moses, emphasizing that divine truth is not self-evident but must be communicated.
2. **Responsibility in Communication**: The secular uses of *mēnýō* in [[John 11:57]], [[Acts 23:30]], and [[1 Corinthians 10:28]] underscore the ethical and practical importance of disclosing accurate and necessary information. Whether it is reporting a threat to save a life, or informing about the nature of food for conscience's sake, the word highlights the responsibility of individuals to convey truth, especially when it impacts others' safety, choices, or spiritual well-being. This aligns with biblical principles of honesty, transparency, and concern for one another.
3. **The Nature of Knowledge**: The word suggests that certain vital pieces of knowledge are not simply observed but must be actively *made known*. This applies to both the mysteries of God and the practicalities of human interaction. It implies a dynamic process of communication where information is intentionally conveyed from one party to another, often with significant implications for understanding, action, or judgment.
### Summary
Μηνύω (G3377, *mēnýō*) is a significant Greek verb that denotes the deliberate act of disclosing, making known, or reporting specific information. Rooted in the idea of mental effort to bring something to mind, it implies a purposeful revelation of facts, truths, or circumstances that were previously hidden or uncommunicated. In the New Testament, it is used to describe both divine disclosure (as in Moses *showing* God's nature) and human acts of informing, reporting plots, or clarifying facts. The word carries a sense of intentionality and often urgency or importance, distinguishing it from general speaking. Its theological weight lies in its portrayal of God's active self-revelation and the human responsibility to accurately and purposefully convey truth, especially when such disclosure has significant ethical or practical implications.
TRV