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G1717 · Greek · New Testament
ἐμφανής
emphanes
Adjective
visible, manifest, openly known, apparent

Definition

Emphanes means visible, manifest, or openly apparent — literally 'appearing in' or 'showing forth.' It appears twice in the NT: Acts 10:40 describes God making Jesus 'visible [emphane]' after the resurrection, and Romans 10:20 quotes Isaiah: 'I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me.'

Usage & Theological Significance

The word captures the theological breakthrough of resurrection: Jesus did not remain hidden after rising but was made emphanes — openly visible, to chosen witnesses (Acts 10:41). The restriction of post-resurrection appearances to specific witnesses (not the general public) is itself significant — God's self-revelation is purposeful and personal, not broadcast indiscriminately. Romans 10:20 uses emphanes language in the context of Gentile inclusion: God's surprising self-revelation to those who were not seeking Him — the nations — fulfills Isaiah's prediction and grounds the Gentile mission. Divine disclosure is always a gracious initiative, not a human achievement.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 10:40 But God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen [emphane].
Romans 10:20 'I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself [emphanes] to those who did not ask for me.'
Isaiah 65:1 I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me.
John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me... I will love them and show myself to them.
John 14:22 But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?

Related Words

External Resources

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