ἀναδείκνυμι (anadeiknumi)
anadeiknumi
to appoint
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anadeiknumi means to publicly appoint or designate someone for a specific role. It carries the sense of showing forth a person, as if lifting them up for all to see and recognize their new status. In the New Testament, this word is used only twice, both in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, highlighting its use in formal contexts of selection.
Its root combines an- ("up" or "again") with deiknumi ("to show"). This etymology suggests a public demonstration rather than a private decision. The sources note that it was used in classical Greek to proclaim someone as elected to office, such as a king or general. In Luke 10:1, Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them ahead, using this term to emphasize the authority and visibility of their mission.
Translators often render anadeiknumi as "appoint" or "send," but the underlying image is one of public declaration. It is not merely assigning a task but formally presenting someone in their new capacity. This usage underscores the seriousness of the commission, marking the individuals as chosen representatives with recognized authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anadeiknumi paints a vivid picture of public appointment. It does not describe a quiet, private selection but a formal showing forth of someone for a specific role. When Jesus used this term in Luke 10:1 to appoint the seventy-two, He was publicly designating them as His representatives. This act carried weight and authority, signaling to everyone that these individuals were chosen for a serious mission.
For your faith life, this reminds us that our service is not random or self-appointed. God often calls people into visible roles within the community of believers. Whether in leadership or everyday witness, being 'shown forth' by Christ means you carry His authority and purpose. It is an honor to be publicly recognized as part of His work, knowing that He sees your heart and equips you for the task ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do show1×
- appointed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνέδειξεν1×
- ἀνάδειξον1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:1
Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come.
This verse shows Jesus formally designating the seventy-two as His official representatives, emphasizing the public nature of their commission.
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Acts 1:24
They prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen
Although the verb form is not used here, this context highlights the early church's reliance on divine selection for leadership roles, mirroring the authority behind anadeiknumi.