πρόδηλος (prodēlos)
prodēlos
obvious
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective prodēlos describes something that is openly evident or manifest to everyone. Its meaning comes from two parts: pro, meaning "before" or "in front," and dēlos, meaning "clear." Together they suggest a quality that is visible in advance, leaving no room for doubt about what is present.
In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, primarily in the letters to Timothy and Hebrews. It is used to describe human actions or character traits that are so clear they cannot be hidden. For instance, it notes that some sins are obvious beforehand, while others follow later (1 Timothy 5:24-25). Similarly, it points out that Jesus’ lineage from Judah was a well-known fact, making his priestly role in that order manifest to all readers (Hebrews 7:14).
Unlike words that might imply hidden spiritual truths, prodēlos emphasizes public visibility. It does not refer to something discovered through deep study, but rather to reality that stands plainly in the open. The sources highlight its use for things that are undeniably clear to any observer.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prodēlos describes what is plainly visible, like a sign posted in front of a house. It combines ideas of being 'before' and 'clear,' suggesting that some truths do not need to be hidden or searched for; they stand openly in the light. In the New Testament, this term highlights how human actions and character traits often reveal themselves naturally over time.
This clarity brings comfort because it means God sees what is truly there. As noted in 1 Timothy 5:24, some sins are evident before judgment arrives, showing that nothing remains concealed from divine awareness. Similarly, good works become obvious to others, offering a witness to those watching. There is no need to worry about hiding your true self, for authenticity is always visible.
Understanding this word encourages honesty in our daily lives. When we live with integrity, our actions speak louder than words. We can trust that God values transparency and that our efforts, even when small, are seen clearly by Him and those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- manifest1×
- evident1×
- [It is] evident1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πρόδηλοί1×
- πρόδηλον1×
- πρόδηλα1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 5:24
Some men’s sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later.
This verse uses the word to show that certain sins are so clear they appear before judgment, emphasizing that God’s awareness is immediate and undeniable.
-
I Timothy 5:25
In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.
Here the term highlights how good works naturally become visible to others, serving as a public witness to a person's faith without needing self-promotion.
-
Hebrews 7:14
For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
The author uses this word to point out that Jesus’ lineage from Judah was a well-known fact, making his priestly role manifest to all readers without need for further proof.