### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apokálypsis**, represented by `{{G602}}`, means a **disclosure** or **revelation**. It appears 18 times across 18 unique verses, and its core meaning is the uncovering or making manifest of something that was previously hidden. It is translated as **revelation**, **appearing**, **coming**, **manifestation**, and **lighten**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G602}}` is used in several significant ways. The entire final book of the Bible is named for it, opening as "The **Revelation** of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants" [[Revelation 1:1]]. It frequently points to the future return of Christ, an event believers are to **hope** `{{G1679}}` for, described as the **revelation** [[1 Peter 1:13]] or **appearing** [[1 Peter 1:7]] of Jesus Christ. The term also signifies the disclosure of a spiritual truth, as when Paul speaks of the gospel being understood according to the **revelation** of the **mystery** `{{G3466}}` [[Romans 16:25]]. Finally, it can describe the unveiling of divine justice, as in the "day of wrath and **revelation** of the righteous judgment of God" [[Romans 2:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G602}}`:
* `{{G1107}}` **gnōrízō** (to make known): This verb often describes the result of a **revelation**. Paul explains that it was by **revelation** `{{G602}}` that God "made known" the **mystery** `{{G3466}}` to him [[Ephesians 3:3]].
* `{{G3466}}` **mystḗrion** (mystery): This is frequently the content that is unveiled by a **revelation**. It refers to a divine secret, once hidden but now disclosed, such as the **gospel** `{{G2098}}` [[Romans 16:25]].
* `{{G1166}}` **deiknýō** (to show): This word highlights the purpose of a **revelation**, which is to present or **shew** something. The book of **Revelation** `{{G602}}` was given specifically "to **shew**" God's servants what was to come [[Revelation 1:1]].
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory): The ultimate **revelation** of Christ is directly connected to the unveiling of his **glory**. Believers are told to rejoice so that when His **glory** is revealed, they may be glad with **exceeding joy** `{{G21}}` [[1 Peter 4:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G602}}` is substantial, forming key pillars of Christian doctrine.
* **Divine Unveiling of Truth:** The term establishes that saving knowledge comes from God's initiative to reveal it. Paul's understanding of the **gospel** `{{G2098}}` came not from man but directly "by the **revelation** of Jesus Christ" [[Galatians 1:12]], uncovering a **mystery** `{{G3466}}` that had been kept secret [[Romans 16:25]].
* **The Coming of Christ in Glory:** A primary focus of `{{G602}}` is the future return of Jesus. The church is described as waiting for this "coming" [[1 Corinthians 1:7]], an event that will bring **praise** `{{G1868}}`, **honour** `{{G5092}}`, and **glory** `{{G1391}}` [[1 Peter 1:7]] for the faithful.
* **Spiritual Gifts and Insight:** In the present age, `{{G602}}` can be a spiritual **gift** `{{G5486}}` for the edification of the church, alongside **doctrine** `{{G1322}}` and interpretation [[1 Corinthians 14:26]]. God gives a **spirit** `{{G4151}}` of **wisdom** `{{G4678}}` and **revelation** to believers for their **knowledge** `{{G1922}}` of Him [[Ephesians 1:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G602}}` is a critical term that signifies far more than simple information. It is an act of divine disclosure, whether it is the unveiling of the **gospel** `{{G2098}}`, a spiritual insight for the church, or the final, climactic **appearing** of Jesus **Christ** `{{G5547}}` in glory. It fundamentally shapes the biblical understanding of how God makes Himself and His redemptive plan known to humanity.
TRV