ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia)
epiphaneia
appearing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epiphaneia denotes a striking appearance or manifestation, often carrying a sense of glory and visibility. In the New Testament, it appears in six verses, primarily within the Pastoral Epistles and Second Thessalonians, to describe the visible return of Jesus Christ. It is not merely a casual sighting but a decisive, public revelation of divine presence.
The word derives from the root epiphainō, meaning "to show forth" or "to make visible." While it can refer to any appearance, in these specific texts it is reserved for the parousia, or second coming. Paul uses it to describe the future moment when Christ will be revealed in power, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:1 and 8, where it marks the culmination of his ministry and the promise of the crown of righteousness.
Translators typically render epiphaneia as "appearing" or "manifestation," distinguishing it from other terms for presence. It emphasizes the sudden, undeniable nature of Christ's return. The usage in 2 Thessalonians 2:8 highlights its eschatological weight, describing the destruction of the lawless one by the breath of Jesus' mouth at his appearing, underscoring the authority inherent in this visible manifestation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epiphaneia points to a moment when what was hidden becomes fully visible. In the New Testament, it describes the future return of Jesus Christ not as a subtle hint, but as a clear and undeniable revelation. This is the time when God’s presence will be seen by all, bringing an end to secrecy and uncertainty.
For believers, this promise offers steady hope. It reminds us that history is moving toward a definitive conclusion where justice is established and death is defeated. We look forward to this appearing with confidence, knowing that our Savior has already shown His love through the Gospel and will complete His work at His return.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- appearing5×
- [the] appearing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιφάνειαν3×
- ἐπιφανείας2×
- ἐπιφανείᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
II Thessalonians 2:8
Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the manifestation of his coming;
This verse highlights the word's eschatological weight by linking the appearing directly to the destruction of evil, showing Christ's absolute authority.
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II Timothy 1:10
but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News.
Here the term connects the future appearing with the past revelation of Jesus, who abolished death and brought life to light through the Good News.
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Titus 2:13
looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
This occurrence uniquely identifies Jesus as both God and Savior in the context of looking for the blessed hope and His glorious appearing.