ἐπιφανής (epiphanēs)
epiphanēs
glorious
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective epiphanēs describes something or someone who is conspicuous, illustrious, or manifestly notable. Its meaning stems from the idea of appearing before others in a way that demands attention, carrying the sense of being "glorious" in the public eye rather than merely internally virtuous.
In Scripture, this word appears only once, in Acts 2:20, where Peter quotes Joel to describe the signs preceding the Day of the Lord. Here it modifies the sun turning to darkness and the moon to blood, emphasizing their dramatic visibility. The term highlights a striking manifestation that cannot be ignored.
The root combines epí ("upon") and phainō ("to show" or "to shine"), suggesting something brought into clear view. While modern translations often render it as "glorious," the nuance leans closer to "notable" or "conspicuous," focusing on the observable impact of the event rather than its inherent divine nature alone.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epiphanēs carries the sense of something that stands out clearly in the public eye. It describes a manifestation so striking that it demands attention. When Peter quotes Joel in Acts, he uses this term to describe the cosmic signs before the Day of the Lord. The sun turning to darkness and the moon to blood are not hidden events; they are conspicuous displays of divine action.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s work is often visible and undeniable. We do not need to guess if He is moving. His purposes unfold in ways that cannot be ignored. This assurance brings comfort, knowing that the same God who orchestrates such dramatic signs is also present in your daily life.
Even when circumstances seem chaotic or dark, we can trust that God’s glory will shine through. The conspicuous nature of these events points to a greater reality: the Lord is coming. This hope anchors our hearts, inviting us to watch and wait with confidence rather than fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- glorious.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιφανῆ.1×
Key Verses
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Acts 2:20
The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
The word modifies the cosmic signs of the sun and moon, emphasizing their undeniable visibility as precursors to the Day of the Lord.