Lexical Summary deiknumi: To show, to point out, to make known Original Word: δείκνυμι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance showA prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show (literally or figuratively) -- shew. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root deik- Definition to show NASB Translation bring (1), show (21), showed (8), shown (2), shows (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1166: δεικνύωδεικνύω (δεικνύειν, Matthew 16:21; δεικνύεις, John 2:18; τοῦ δεικνύοντός, Revelation 22:8 (not Tdf.)) and δείκνυμι (1 Corinthians 12:31; Matthew 4:8; John 5:20; cf. Buttmann, 45 (39)); future δείξω; 1 aorist ἔδειξα; 1 aorist passive participle δειχθεις (Hebrews 8:5); the Sept. mostly for הִרְאָה; to show, exhibit; 1. properly, to show, i. e. expose to the eyes: τίνι τί, Matthew 4:8; Luke 4:5; Luke 20:24 (for Rec. ἐπιδείξατέ); 2. metaphorically, a. with the accusative of the thing, to give the evidence or proof of a thing: πίστιν, James 2:18; τί ἐκ τίνος, as τήν πίστιν ἐκ τῶν ἔργων, ibid.; τά ἔργα ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς, James 3:13. b. to show by words, to teach: followed by ὅτι, Matthew 16:21 (διδάσκειν in Mark 8:31 for δεικνύειν); followed by an infinitive Acts 10:28. (Compare: ἀναδείκνυμι, ἀποδείκνυμι, ἐνδείκνυμι, ἐπιδείκνυμι, ὑποδείκνυμι.) A single Greek verb lies behind a rich range of New Testament scenes in which something hidden becomes visible, certain, and personally engaging. Whether the subject is the Father, the risen Christ, an angelic messenger, or a human disciple, the action consistently moves from concealment to clarity so that faith is informed, strengthened, and compelled toward obedience. Divine Revelation The book of Revelation opens and closes with God’s deliberate unveiling: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass” (Revelation 1:1). The same purpose frames the final chapter: “The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place” (Revelation 22:6). In these scenes God does not merely tell; He shows—granting John sensory visions so vivid that the church can share in them across the centuries (Revelation 4:1; 17:1; 21:9-10; 22:1). The verb underlines the personal initiative of God, who desires His people to know His plans and character. Christological Usage The Gospels present Jesus as both the One who shows and the One who is shown. Satan’s temptation “showed Him all the kingdoms of the world” (Matthew 4:8; Luke 4:5), a counterfeit revelation that Jesus rejects. By contrast, the Father “shows Him all He Himself is doing, and He will show Him even greater works than these” (John 5:20). When Philip pleads, “Lord, show us the Father” (John 14:8), Jesus replies, “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The crucified and risen Christ then “showed them His hands and His side” (John 20:20), grounding faith in tangible evidence. Demonstration of Authority and Authenticity Miraculous works in John 2:18, 10:32 and the synoptic healings of lepers (Matthew 8:4; Mark 1:44; Luke 5:14) stress that divine authority is displayed, not merely claimed. In Acts 10:28 Peter recalls how God “showed” him that no person is unclean, validating the Gentile mission. Hebrews 8:5 reminds readers that the earthly tabernacle copies the heavenly reality Moses was “shown” on the mountain, underscoring the reliability of God’s pattern. Instruction and Discipleship Jesus often commands visual demonstration to expose motives or teach truth: “Show Me a denarius” (Luke 20:24). In the Upper Room, He predicts that a man carrying water will “show you a large upper room” (Mark 14:15; Luke 22:12), guiding the disciples’ obedience. Paul captures the principle for Christian service: “But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you a most excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31), introducing the love chapter. Ethical Proof in James James harnesses the verb to confront empty confession: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” (James 2:18), and again, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct” (James 3:13). Here seeing authenticates believing; visible works confirm invisible faith. Eschatological Visions Revelation’s climactic scenes employ the verb repeatedly as angels “show” John the Bride, the holy city, the river of life, and the tree of life (Revelation 21:10; 22:1). The future is not speculative but displayed, assuring believers that final hope is concrete. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Preaching: Move from explanation to demonstration—illustrate doctrine with narrative, testimony, and enacted obedience. Historical-Theological Reflection Church history repeatedly demonstrates the power of visible witness: martyrs displaying courage, missionaries exhibiting sacrificial love, reformers uncovering biblical truth. The verb behind “show” reminds each generation that revelation is not abstract; God brings truth into the realm of sight and experience so that believers may act with conviction. Representative Passages Matthew 4:8; John 5:20; John 14:8-9; John 20:20; Acts 10:28; 1 Corinthians 12:31; James 2:18; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:6. Summary Where Scripture says God, Christ, angels, or disciples “show,” revelation meets reality. The action overturns ignorance, verifies authority, and summons a lived response. In every testament, to be shown is to be invited into deeper faith, fuller obedience, and brighter hope. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 4:8 V-PIA-3SGRK: λίαν καὶ δείκνυσιν αὐτῷ πάσας NAS: mountain and showed Him all KJV: mountain, and sheweth him all INT: exceedingly and shows to him all Matthew 8:4 V-AMA-2S Matthew 16:21 V-PNA Mark 1:44 V-AMA-2S Mark 14:15 V-FIA-3S Luke 4:5 V-AIA-3S Luke 5:14 V-AMA-2S Luke 20:24 V-AMA-2P Luke 22:12 V-FIA-3S Luke 24:40 V-AIA-3S John 2:18 V-PIA-2S John 5:20 V-PIA-3S John 5:20 V-FIA-3S John 10:32 V-AIA-1S John 14:8 V-AMA-2S John 14:9 V-AMA-2S John 20:20 V-AIA-3S Acts 7:3 V-FIA-1S Acts 10:28 V-AIA-3S 1 Corinthians 12:31 V-PIA-1S 1 Timothy 6:15 V-FIA-3S Hebrews 8:5 V-APP-AMS James 2:18 V-AMA-2S James 2:18 V-FIA-1S James 3:13 V-AMA-3S Strong's Greek 1166 |
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