Lexicon
epiphaneia: Appearing, Manifestation
Original Word:ἐπιφάνεια
Part of Speech:Noun, Feminine
Transliteration:epiphaneia
Pronunciation:eh-pee-fan'-i-ah
Phonetic Spelling:(ep-if-an'-i-ah)
Definition:Appearing, Manifestation
Meaning:appearing, manifestation, glorious display.
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
appearance, brightness.
Fromepiphanes; a manifestation, i.e. (specially) the advent of Christ (past or future) -- appearing, brightness.
see GREEKepiphanes
HELPS Word-studies
2015epipháneia (from1909/epí, "on, fitting," which intensifies5316/phaínō, "show forth, appear") – properly, afitting manifestation (literally, "an epiphany").
[2015 (epipháneia) is the root of the English term, "epiphany."]
2015 (epipháneia) literally suggests an appearing that builds on (Gkepi) on the characteristics of a particular situation. Accordingly,2015/epipháneia ("conspicuous appearing") emphasizes the fitting impact Christ'svisible appearance will have on theentire world – i.e. all who see it (saved and unsaved). In the NT,2015 (epipháneia) occurs six times – always used ofChrist's coming (once of Hisfirst coming, 2 Tim 1:10).
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
epiphanésDefinitionappearance
NASB Translationappearance (1), appearing (5).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2015: ἐπιφάνειαἐπιφάνεια,
ἐπιφανείας,
ἡ (
ἐπιφανής),
an appearing, appearance (
Tertullianapparentia); often used by the Greeks of a glorious manifestation of the gods, and especially of their advent to help; in 2 Macc. of signal deeds and events betokening the presence and power of God as helper; cf. Grimm on Maccabees, p. 60f, 75 (but especially the thorough exposition by Prof. Abbot (on
Titus 2:13 Note B) in the Journal of the Society for Biblical Literature and Exegesis, i., p. 16f (1882)). In the N. T. the 'advent' of Christ — not only that which has already taken place and by which his presence and power appear in the saving light he has shed upon mankind,
2 Timothy 1:10 (note the word
φωτίσαντος in this passage); but also that illustrious return from heaven to earth hereafter to occur:
1 Timothy 6:14;
2 Timothy 4:1, 8;
Titus 2:13 (on which see especially Prof. Abbot as above);
ἡἐπιφάνεια (i. e. the breaking forth)
τῆςπαρουσίαςαὐτοῦ,
2 Thessalonians 2:8. (Cf.
Trench, § xciv.)
Topical Lexicon
Word Origin:Derived from the Greek verb ἐπιφαίνω (epiphainō), meaning "to appear" or "to show forth."Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries:While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐπιφάνεια, the concept of divine appearing or manifestation can be related to Hebrew terms such as רָאָה (ra'ah, Strong'sH7200), meaning "to see" or "to appear," and גָּלָה (galah, Strong'sH1540), meaning "to reveal" or "to uncover." These terms capture the essence of divine revelation and appearance found in the Old Testament.
Usage:In the New Testament, ἐπιφάνεια is used to describe the appearing of Jesus Christ, both in His first coming and His anticipated return. It emphasizes the visible and glorious nature of these events.
Context:The Greek term ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia) is a significant theological concept in the New Testament, appearing in key passages that highlight the manifestation of Jesus Christ. It is used five times in the New Testament, specifically in the Pauline epistles and the Pastoral Epistles.
In2 Thessalonians 2:8, the term is used to describe the future appearance of the Lord Jesus, who will destroy the lawless one "by the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by the appearance of His coming" (BSB). This passage underscores the power and authority of Christ's return.
In1 Timothy 6:14, Paul exhorts Timothy to keep the commandment "without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" (BSB). Here, ἐπιφάνεια is associated with the anticipation of Christ's return, encouraging believers to live in readiness and holiness.
2 Timothy 1:10 speaks of the first coming of Christ, stating that "our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated life and immortality through the gospel" (BSB) has been manifested. This highlights the salvific impact of Christ's first epiphany.
In2 Timothy 4:1 and 4:8, Paul refers to the future appearing of Christ as a time of judgment and reward. In verse 1, he charges Timothy "in view of His appearing and His kingdom" (BSB), while in verse 8, he speaks of the "crown of righteousness" awarded to those who have loved His appearing.
The concept of ἐπιφάνεια is deeply rooted in the expectation of divine intervention and revelation. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Christ's presence, both in His historical incarnation and His future return. The term encapsulates the hope and assurance of believers, encouraging them to live in light of Christ's ultimate victory and revelation.
Forms and Transliterations
επιφανεια επιφανεία ἐπιφανείᾳ επιφανειαν επιφάνειαν ἐπιφάνειαν επιφανειας επιφανείας ἐπιφανείας epiphaneia epiphaneíāi epiphaneian epipháneian epiphaneias epiphaneíasLinks
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