ἀπόδειξις (apodeixis)
apodeixis
demonstration
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apodeixis refers to a clear demonstration or proof that makes something evident. In classical Greek philosophy, it described rigorous logical argumentation designed to establish certainty. Paul adopts this term in 1 Corinthians 2:4 to describe his preaching style, which relied on the power of the message itself rather than persuasive rhetorical techniques.
While the word can technically mean a "showing off," its primary biblical usage emphasizes substance over style. Paul contrasts this intellectual demonstration with "lofty words" or human wisdom. He insists that his ministry depended on the Spirit’s power to validate the truth, ensuring that faith rests on God’s authority rather than human eloquence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apodeixis points to a clear demonstration or proof that makes something evident. In the ancient world, this term often described rigorous logical argumentation designed to establish certainty. Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 2:4 to describe his preaching style, which relied on the power of the message itself rather than persuasive rhetorical techniques.
This shift from human eloquence to spiritual substance offers a quiet comfort for our faith journey. When we encounter the gospel, we are not asked to be convinced by clever arguments or impressive delivery. Instead, the truth stands on its own weight, validated by the Spirit’s power. This ensures that our trust rests securely on God’s authority, not on the fluctuating skills of any human speaker.
For your daily life, this means you can find confidence in the simplicity of the message. You do not need to master complex philosophies or perfect speech to understand God’s love. The demonstration is clear enough for anyone who seeks it with an open heart. Let this assurance settle your mind and free you from the pressure to perform.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- demonstration1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποδείξει1×
Key Verses
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I Corinthians 2:4
My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
Paul uses this term to contrast his reliance on the Spirit’s power against persuasive words of human wisdom.