ἐμφανίζω (emphanizō)
emphanizō
to show
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb emphanizō means to make something visible or known, bringing it into clear view. In the New Testament, it is used when Jesus reveals himself to his disciples (John 14:21-22) and when Paul explains legal matters to officials (Acts 23:15; 25:15). It carries a sense of openness, removing any hiddenness so that the truth stands plainly before others.
Its root relates to appearing or becoming manifest. The sources note it can be active, showing something, or passive, showing oneself. For example, Hebrews 9:24 describes Christ appearing in heaven itself. Translators often use "show" or "reveal," capturing the idea of making what was previously unseen now obvious and accessible to those who witness it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word emphanizō describes the act of bringing something into the open, stripping away any veil to reveal what was previously hidden. In our spiritual lives, this often mirrors how God chooses to make His truth known to us. Rather than leaving us in confusion or guessing games, He actively shows Himself through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ.
When we read that Jesus promises to reveal Himself to those who love Him, it is an invitation to intimacy. This is not a distant, abstract concept but a personal unveiling. God desires for His character and will to be clear and accessible, removing the shadows of doubt so we can walk in confidence.
This transparency invites us to live openly as well. Just as Christ makes the Father known, we are called to let our lives reflect that same clarity. When our actions align with our faith, we help others see the reality of God’s love without needing complex explanations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you reported1×
- to manifest1×
- to appear1×
- make manifest1×
- made a representation1×
- made a presentation1×
- do make a report1×
- appeared1×
- Made a presentation1×
- I will show1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνεφάνισαν2×
- ἐνεφάνισάν1×
- ἐνεφάνισας1×
- ἐνεφανίσθησαν1×
- ἐμφανίσω1×
- ἐμφανίσατε1×
- ἐμφανίζουσιν1×
- ἐμφανίζειν1×
- ἐμφανισθῆναι1×
Key Verses
-
John 14:21
One who has my commandments and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him.”
This verse highlights the personal nature of the word, showing that self-revelation is tied directly to obedience and love.
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Hebrews 9:24
For Christ hasn’t entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
Here the term describes Christ’s heavenly ministry, emphasizing that His appearance in God's presence is for our benefit.
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John 14:22
Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”
Judas asks why this revelation is limited to the disciples, underscoring the exclusive intimacy of this divine disclosure.