### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποδείκνυμι (apodeíknymi, `{{G584}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo), meaning "from" or "away from," and the verb δεικνύω (deiknyo, `{{G1166}}`), meaning "to show, point out, make known." This etymological foundation gives ἀποδείκνυμι a rich semantic range. Literally, it means "to show forth," "to exhibit," or "to display publicly." The "apo" prefix intensifies the act of showing, suggesting a clear, definitive, or even public presentation. Figuratively and more profoundly, it carries the sense of "to demonstrate," "to prove," or "to accredit." In this usage, the act of showing is not merely for observation but for establishing truth, validity, or authenticity. It implies presenting compelling evidence to make something undeniably clear and accepted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ἀποδείκνυμι in the New Testament illuminate its varied nuances:
* **[[Acts 2:22]]**: "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man **attested** to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—" Here, ἀποδείκνυμι is profoundly significant. It describes God's active and public validation of Jesus' messianic identity and divine commission through a series of undeniable miracles. It implies a clear, irrefutable demonstration, a divine seal of approval.
* **[[Acts 25:7]]**: "And when he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against Paul that they were **unable to prove**." In this legal context, the word signifies the inability to provide sufficient evidence or demonstration to establish the truth of accusations. It underscores the concept of proving guilt or innocence through presented facts.
* **[[2 Thessalonians 2:4]]**: "who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, **proclaiming** himself to be God." While often translated as "proclaiming," the underlying sense of ἀποδείκνυμι here is that the Man of Lawlessness will publically display, demonstrate, or present himself as divine. It is an act of self-attestation, a bold and overt manifestation of his blasphemous claim.
* **[[Hebrews 6:10]]**: "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have **shown** for his name in serving the saints, as you still do." In this instance, ἀποδείκνυμι refers to believers' demonstrable actions of love and service. It is not merely an internal feeling but an outward, visible manifestation of their devotion to God's name through their practical care for fellow believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀποδείκνυμι is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **δεικνύω (deiknyo, `{{G1166}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to show, point out." ἀποδείκνυμι adds the dimension of "showing forth" or "showing to prove/demonstrate," often implying a more conclusive or public display.
* **ἀποδείξις (apodeixis, `{{G585}}`):** This is the noun form of ἀποδείκνυμι, meaning "demonstration" or "proof." It appears in [[1 Corinthians 2:4]], where Paul speaks of his preaching not being with "plausible words of wisdom, but with a **demonstration** of the Spirit and of power," highlighting God's verifiable action.
* **μαρτυρέω (martyreō, `{{G3140}}`):** "To bear witness, testify." While both ἀποδείκνυμι and μαρτυρέω relate to providing evidence, ἀποδείκνυμι focuses on the *act* of demonstration or proof, often through deeds, whereas μαρτυρέω emphasizes the *verbal declaration* of truth based on personal knowledge or observation.
* **ἐπιδείκνυμι (epideiknymi, `{{G1925}}`):** "To show forth, exhibit, display." This verb is very similar to ἀποδείκνυμι in conveying public display, but ἀποδείκνυμι frequently carries a stronger connotation of proving, accrediting, or making something undeniable.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀποδείκνυμι is profound, particularly in its application to divine action and human response.
* **Divine Attestation of Christ:** The most prominent theological usage in [[Acts 2:22]] highlights God's active role in **demonstrating** or **accrediting** Jesus as the Messiah. This was not a subtle or ambiguous act, but a public, undeniable display of divine power through miracles, signs, and wonders. It underscores the objective, verifiable nature of God's revelation and the divine imprimatur upon Jesus' ministry. This divine attestation serves as foundational evidence for faith.
* **Verifiability of Truth:** The word implies that truth, especially divine truth, is not merely speculative but can be *shown forth* and *proven*. This resonates with the biblical emphasis on a God who reveals Himself clearly and provides sufficient evidence for His claims and His Son's identity. It challenges a purely subjective understanding of faith, grounding it in demonstrable reality.
* **Manifestation of Faith through Works:** In [[Hebrews 6:10]], the word reminds believers that their love for God is not solely an internal sentiment but is **shown** or manifested through their tangible actions of service to others. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that true faith is always accompanied by works, which serve as visible proof of an inward transformation.
### Summary
ἀποδείκνυμι (apodeíknymi, `{{G584}}`) is a potent Greek verb signifying "to show forth," "to exhibit," and, more profoundly, "to demonstrate" or "to accredit." Its core meaning involves a clear, often public, presentation of something to establish its truth, validity, or authenticity. Theologically, its most crucial usage is in [[Acts 2:22]], where it describes God's undeniable attestation of Jesus through mighty works, powerfully demonstrating His divine approval and validating His Son's messianic claims. This highlights the objective and verifiable nature of God's revelation. Furthermore, the word underscores the biblical principle that truth can be proven and that genuine faith is not merely abstract but is shown forth through tangible actions, as seen in the love demonstrated by believers in [[Hebrews 6:10]]. ἀποδείκνυμι thus speaks to both divine revelation and human responsibility in manifesting truth.
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