The Greek adjective phaneros means manifest, visible, evident, or plainly known — that which is open to view and clearly apparent. It appears about 18 times in the New Testament and is used for truths that are openly known, deeds that are public, and especially God's revealed truth that is evident to all.
Phaneros and its related verb phaneroo (G5319) are key words in John's and Paul's theology of divine revelation. Romans 1:19 uses phaneron to describe natural revelation: 'What may be known about God is plain (phaneron) to them, because God has made it plain to them.' The created order leaves humanity without excuse — God's eternal power and divine nature are manifestly visible in the world He made. In Mark 4:22, Jesus teaches: 'For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open (phaneron).' The trajectory of history is toward full disclosure — everything hidden will ultimately be manifest. This has both comforting and sobering implications: good works done in secret will be revealed and rewarded; hidden sins will also come to light. Paul's self-examination in 1 Corinthians 4:5 rests on this: 'Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.' Final judgment is the ultimate act of phaneros — all will be made plain.