ἔνδειξις (endeixis)
endeixis
demonstration
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun endeixis refers to a clear demonstration or visible proof of something previously hidden. Derived from the verb meaning "to show forth," it describes an act that makes a reality evident to observers. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, primarily in Paul’s letters, where it serves as concrete evidence of spiritual truths.
Paul uses endeixis to describe how God’s righteousness is displayed through Jesus Christ. In Romans 3:25-26, he explains that God presented Christ as a means of demonstrating His justice, showing both His mercy and His faithfulness in forgiving sins. This usage highlights the word’s function as a public sign that validates a deeper theological claim.
The term also appears in Philippians 1:28 and 2 Corinthians 8:24 to describe visible proof of inner qualities. In Philippians, it refers to the enemy’s defeat being shown through the believers’ steadfastness. In 2 Corinthians, it points to the Macedonian churches’ generosity as a demonstration of their genuine love. In each case, endeixis marks an outward action that confirms an inward reality.
Translators typically render this word as "demonstration," "proof," or "evidence." The consistent thread across these occurrences is the idea of making something intangible visible through tangible action. This approach allows readers to see abstract virtues like faith, love, and justice in practical, observable forms.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face uncertainty, it is natural to look for signs that God is working in ways we cannot yet fully see. The Greek word endeixis offers a comforting picture: it means a clear demonstration or visible proof of something previously hidden. It describes an act that makes a reality evident to observers, turning abstract spiritual truths into concrete evidence we can witness.
In Romans 3, Paul uses this term to explain how God’s righteousness is displayed through Jesus Christ. This was not merely a private assurance but a public sign that validated God’s justice and mercy. Similarly, in Philippians 1:28, the steadfastness of believers serves as a demonstration of salvation, even amidst opposition. These passages remind us that our faith is not blind; it is grounded in observable realities.
This perspective invites us to recognize God’s work in our own lives and communities. Whether through the generosity shown by the Macedonian churches or the courage displayed by early Christians, endeixis highlights how outward actions confirm inward realities. It encourages us to live with confidence, knowing that our faith produces visible fruit that points others to the hope we hold.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the proof1×
- showing forth1×
- a showing forth1×
- a demonstration1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔνδειξιν3×
- ἔνδειξις1×
Key Verses
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Romans 3:25
whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;
This verse identifies Christ’s sacrifice as the specific demonstration of God's righteousness, showing how justice and mercy meet.
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Romans 3:26
to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
Here the term emphasizes that God remains just while justifying believers, making His character evident in the present time.
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Philippians 1:28
and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
Paul describes the believers' fearlessness as a visible proof to adversaries that their salvation comes from God.
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II Corinthians 8:24
Therefore show the proof of your love to them before the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.
The Macedonian churches are urged to show the proof of their love, making their inner devotion evident to other assemblies.