μηνύω (mēnuō)
mēnuō
to disclose
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb mēnuō means to disclose or make something known, often carrying a formal or official tone. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where information is being reported or declared with clarity. For instance, in Luke 20:37 and 1 Corinthians 10:28, it conveys the act of making truth or facts public.
Its usage often leans toward a forensic sense, meaning to inform or report, as seen in John 11:57 where authorities are informed about Jesus’ location. This legal nuance distinguishes it from more general terms for speaking, emphasizing precision and authority in the communication of knowledge.
The word’s root connections suggest an origin related to striving or effort, implying that disclosure is not casual but deliberate. Translators typically render it as "make known" or "inform," highlighting its role in revealing hidden or significant details within biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word carries a sense of official clarity. It is not about casual chat but about making something known with precision. When the Bible uses it, we see information being shared so that others can act or understand correctly. It reminds us that truth is often revealed for a specific purpose, whether to protect someone or to confirm a fact.
In John 11:57, leaders demanded that anyone who knew Jesus' location report it. This shows how disclosure can carry weight and consequence. Yet, we also see its gentle side in Acts 23:30, where Paul shares information to ensure justice for the apostle. These moments show that knowing and sharing truth is a serious responsibility.
For your faith, this word encourages honesty and clarity. It suggests that when God or others reveal something, it is meant to be understood clearly. You can trust that the details shared in Scripture are not random but purposeful. This invites you to value truthfulness in your own life, knowing that clear communication builds understanding and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- showed1×
- he shall show [it],1×
- having shown [it]1×
- When was being disclosed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμήνυσεν1×
- μηνύσῃ,1×
- μηνύσαντα1×
- μηνυθείσης1×
Key Verses
-
John 11:57
Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had commanded that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they might seize him.
This verse highlights the formal command to report Jesus' location, showing the word's forensic tone in a life-or-death context.
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Acts 23:30
When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell.”
Paul uses this concept to explain how he informed authorities about the plot against him, emphasizing procedural justice.
-
Luke 20:37
But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord ‘The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’
Moses is described as making the truth of resurrection known through his encounter at the bush, grounding faith in historical revelation.