δηλόω (dēloō)
dēloō
to make clear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dēloō means to make something clear or evident to the mind. It is not about physical visibility but about intellectual understanding, often through explanation or reporting. In the New Testament, it appears in seven verses, frequently describing how truth is communicated to believers.
Its usage highlights a distinction from words meaning "to show" physically. Instead, dēloō focuses on revealing facts or realities so they are understood. For example, Paul uses it when asking that his teachings be made known (Colossians 1:8) or when describing how the Holy Spirit reveals deep things (1 Corinthians 2:10). Peter also employs it to indicate that Jesus would show him how he would die (2 Peter 1:14).
This word carries a sense of clarity and directness. It suggests that what was once hidden is now brought into the light of understanding. The sources note its connection to making things known by relating or declaring, emphasizing communication over mere display.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dēloō reminds us that God values clarity in our faith. It is not about physical sight but about intellectual understanding. When Scripture says something is made clear, it means truth has been communicated so we can grasp it fully. This assurance helps us trust that God does not leave His people in confusion.
In Colossians 1:8, Paul notes how the Spirit declared their love. This shows that divine revelation often comes through community and shared understanding. We are invited to seek this clarity in our own walk, knowing that God’s Word is given to be understood, not hidden.
As we study these passages, we find comfort in the fact that God makes things known. Whether it is the future hope or current truth, He brings light to what was once obscure. This gentle illumination strengthens our confidence in His promises and guides our daily steps with peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was signifying2×
- will disclose [it],1×
- signifies1×
- having made known1×
- has made clear1×
- It was shown1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἐδηλώθη1×
- ἐδήλωσέν1×
- ἐδήλου1×
- δηλώσει,1×
- δηλώσας1×
- δηλοῦντος1×
- δηλοῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 1:8
who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
This verse highlights how the Spirit actively communicates love to believers, showing dēloō as a relational act of making truth known.
-
II Peter 1:14
knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
Peter recalls Jesus explicitly clarifying his impending death, demonstrating the word's use for direct, personal revelation.
-
Hebrews 9:8
The Holy Spirit is indicating this, that the way into the Holy Place wasn’t yet revealed while the first tabernacle was still standing.
Here the Holy Spirit indicates a theological reality about access to God, using dēloō to show how divine truth is disclosed through history.