ἀποδείκνυμι (apodeiknumi)
apodeiknumi
to display
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apodeiknumi means to display or show something clearly for others to see. It carries a sense of making something evident through demonstration rather than simple mention. In 1 Corinthians 4:9, Paul uses it to describe how apostles are exhibited as spectators before the world and angels, suggesting a public and undeniable exposure.
Its range extends from physical showing to logical proof. In Acts 25:7, the word appears when Paul declares that he is proving his innocence against false charges, indicating a rigorous demonstration of facts. This usage highlights its strength in establishing truth through evidence or argument.
The term also carries an administrative nuance found in later Greek. In 2 Thessalonians 2:4, it describes the man of lawlessness who exalts himself above every so-called god, effectively proclaiming his own status as divine. This usage reflects a formal declaration of office or identity, showing how the word bridges the gap between visual display and authoritative assertion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apodeiknumi invites us to look beyond surface appearances and recognize what is truly evident. It does not simply point to something hidden; it displays it clearly for all to see. In our daily lives, we often rely on words alone, but this term suggests a demonstration that leaves no room for doubt. It bridges the gap between what we say and what we show through action.
When Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:9, he uses this word to describe how apostles are displayed as a spectacle to the world. This is not a private matter but a public reality. God’s truth is not concealed; it is made manifest. We can trust that our faith is grounded in realities that are open and visible, not secrets kept in shadows.
This clarity brings comfort. We do not need to guess at God’s character or intentions. What He has shown us is sufficient. Whether through the mighty works of Jesus or the resilience of believers facing trial, the evidence is there for those willing to look. Let your eyes be fixed on what is plainly displayed in Scripture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to prove,1×
- setting forth1×
- set forth1×
- has exhibited1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπέδειξεν1×
- ἀποδεῖξαι,1×
- ἀποδεικνύντα1×
- ἀποδεδειγμένον1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 4:9
For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.
This verse uses the word to describe apostles as a public spectacle, emphasizing that their suffering and status are openly displayed before both angels and humanity.
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Acts 25:7
When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove,
Here the term relates to the Jews bringing charges against Paul, highlighting the concept of proving or demonstrating facts in a legal context.
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II Thessalonians 2:4
He opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God.
This passage describes the man of lawlessness setting himself up as God, using the word to indicate an authoritative proclamation of his own divine status.