φανερόω (phaneroō)
phaneroō
to reveal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phaneroō means to make something visible, clear, or known that was previously hidden. It describes bringing truth into the open light, whether through words, actions, or direct appearance. In the New Testament, this word carries significant weight in John’s writings and Paul’s letters, where it often refers to God revealing divine realities to humanity.
A key distinction lies in its active and passive forms. When used actively, as in John 2:11, Jesus manifests His glory through miracles. In the passive voice, as seen in Romans 3:21, righteousness is made manifest apart from the law. This duality highlights that revelation is both a divine act of showing and a human experience of seeing.
The word’s root sense connects to visibility and clarity. It is not merely about intellectual knowledge but about tangible demonstration. For instance, in 1 John 3:2, believers are described as appearing with Christ when He is revealed, emphasizing a future, visible transformation. This usage underscores the Christian hope of ultimate disclosure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phaneroō describes bringing what was hidden into the open light. It is not just about knowing facts; it is about seeing something clearly for the first time. In John 2:11, Jesus reveals His glory through a simple miracle at Cana. This shows that God often uses ordinary moments to show us who He really is.
We also see this word when we talk about our own lives. Romans 3:21 tells us that God’s righteousness has been revealed apart from the law. This means you do not have to earn God’s love through perfect behavior. It is given freely and shown clearly in Jesus.
There is a hopeful future attached to this word too. Colossians 3:4 says we will be revealed with Christ in glory when He appears. Until then, we can trust that God sees us fully and knows our hearts. You are known by Him, and that knowledge brings peace rather than fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was revealed4×
- has been revealed3×
- being revealed2×
- He revealed2×
- He appeared2×
- will make manifest1×
- will appear1×
- when was being revealed1×
- were revealed.1×
- were manifested1×
- we have been made manifest;1×
- was made manifest,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐφανερώθη9×
- φανερωθῇ5×
- ἐφανέρωσεν4×
- φανερωθῇ,4×
- ἐφανερώθη,2×
- φανερωθῆναι2×
- φανερωθέντος2×
- Ἐφανέρωσά1×
- ἐφανέρωσεν.1×
- ἐφανερώθησαν.¶1×
- φανέρωσον1×
- φανερώσω1×
Key Verses
-
John 2:11
This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
This verse shows Jesus actively making His divine glory visible through a miracle, moving from hidden potential to open demonstration.
-
Romans 3:21
But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
Here the passive sense is key, showing that God's righteousness was made manifest to humanity without requiring prior adherence to the law.
-
Colossians 3:4
When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.
This occurrence points to a future event where believers will be visibly united with Christ in glory when He appears.
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John 17:6
“I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word.
Jesus speaks of actively revealing God's name to the disciples, indicating a personal disclosure of God's character and identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does phaneroō mean in the Bible?
How is phaneroō different from other words for 'know'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (42 verses across 14 books)
Mark 3 verses
For there is nothing hidden except that it should be made known, neither was anything made secret but that it should…
Mark 16:12After these things he was revealed in another form to two of them as they walked, on their way into the country.
Mark 16:14Afterward he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table; and he rebuked them for their unbelief and…