### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phanerōs**, represented by `{{G5320}}`, is an adverb that means **plainly**, **clearly**, or **publicly**. It is derived from φανερός and appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is translated as **evidently** or **openly**. Its core meaning relates to actions or events that are done in public view or are made undeniably clear, often standing in contrast to that which is done in secret.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5320}}` is used to distinguish between actions that are public and those that are private or concealed. When Cornelius the centurion received a message from God, the text states he **saw** `{{G1492}}` a vision **evidently**, highlighting the unmistakable clarity of the experience [[Acts 10:3]]. Conversely, the term is used to describe the limitations placed on Jesus's public ministry due to his growing fame, noting that he could "no more **openly** enter into the city" [[Mark 1:45]]. This contrast is made explicit when Jesus travels to a feast "not **openly**, but as it were in **secret**" [[John 7:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G5320}}` by providing direct context or contrast:
* `{{G2927}}` **kryptós** (secret): Defined as "concealed, i.e. private," this word is used as the direct opposite of `{{G5320}}` to describe Jesus's choice to go to the feast not openly, but in **secret** [[John 7:10]].
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (to see): This verb, meaning "properly, to see," is paired with `{{G5320}}` to emphasize the clarity of Cornelius's vision, which he **saw** **evidently** [[Acts 10:3]].
* `{{G2784}}` **kērýssō** (to publish): This term for heralding or proclaiming divine truth is what led to Jesus no longer being able to move about **openly**, as the man he healed began to **publish** the matter much [[Mark 1:45]].
* `{{G3705}}` **hórama** (vision): Meaning "something gazed at, i.e. a spectacle," this noun describes what Cornelius saw **evidently**, connecting the clear sight of `{{G5320}}` to a supernatural **vision** [[Acts 10:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5320}}` lies in the distinction it draws between divine revelation and strategic concealment.
* **Clarity of Revelation:** The use of `{{G5320}}` in [[Acts 10:3]] underscores the certainty of God's communication. The vision given to Cornelius was not ambiguous; it appeared **evidently**, confirming that the message from the **angel** `{{G32}}` of God was direct and undeniable.
* **Strategic Ministry:** The word reveals a deliberate aspect of Jesus's work. His decision to not enter a city **openly** [[Mark 1:45]] or to attend a feast secretly [[John 7:10]] was not out of fear, but demonstrated a divine control over His public exposure, aligning His actions with a specific timetable.
* **Public vs. Private Action:** By marking a clear line between what is done **openly** and what is done in **secret** `{{G2927}}`, the word points to a larger biblical pattern where God's plan unfolds in stages, with some truths being plainly manifested while others are veiled until the appointed time.
### Summary
In summary, **phanerōs** `{{G5320}}` is a precise adverb that provides crucial context about the nature of an action. Though used sparingly, it effectively communicates whether something is done **publicly** or perceived with unmistakable **clarity**. It draws a sharp contrast between the undeniable nature of a divine vision [[Acts 10:3]] and the calculated concealment within Jesus's ministry ([[Mark 1:45]], [[John 7:10]]), illustrating the tension between what is revealed and what is reserved.
TRV