Lexical Summary epiphainó: To appear, to shine upon, to manifest Original Word: ἐπιφαίνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance appear, give light. From epi and phaino; to shine upon, i.e. Become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known -- appear, give light. see GREEK epi see GREEK phaino HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2014 epiphaínō (from 1909 /epí, "suitably on," which intensifies 5316 /phaínō, "appear") – properly, to appear to achieve the fitting purpose, i.e. as it builds on (Gk epi) on the particular situation. See 2015 (epiphaneia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and phainó Definition to show forth, i.e. to appear NASB Translation appeared (3), shine (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2014: ἐπιφαίνωἐπιφαίνω; 1 aorist infinitive ἐπιφᾶναι (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 24ff; Winers Grammar, 89 (85); Buttmann, 41 (35); (the Sept. Psalm 30:17 1. transitive, to show to or upon; to bring to light. 2. intransitive and in the passive to appear, become visible; a. properly: of stars, Acts 27:20 (Theocritus, 2, 11); τίνι, to one, Luke 1:79. b. figuratively equivalent to to become clearly known, to show oneself: Titus 3:4; τίνι, Titus 2:11. The term translated “appear/shine upon” gathers into a single verb the idea of sudden, purposeful manifestation. In the New Testament it functions both in a literal sense of heavenly bodies becoming visible (Acts 27:20) and, more prominently, in a redemptive‐historical sense where God’s saving initiative breaks into human darkness (Luke 1:79; Titus 2:11; Titus 3:4). Each usage underscores the decisive character of divine intervention. Old Testament Background The imagery of light bursting into darkness is rooted in passages such as Isaiah 9:2 and Malachi 4:2. In these texts the dawning of light signals the arrival of messianic deliverance and covenant renewal. The New Testament applications of the verb echo this prophetic anticipation, identifying Jesus Christ and His gospel as the long‐awaited sunrise. New Testament Usage 1. Luke 1:79 situates the verb within Zechariah’s prophecy concerning John the Baptist: “to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Here the appearing is future‐oriented, tied to the messianic mission that John will herald. 2. Acts 27:20 describes the absence of sun and stars during Paul’s storm at sea. The missing celestial “appearing” heightens the sense of hopelessness—an apt foil to the hope‐infused appearances of grace in Titus. Nature’s failure to shine only magnifies the certainty of God’s luminous intervention. 3. Titus 2:11 proclaims, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.” The epiphany is the incarnation and completed work of Christ. Salvation is not merely offered; it is manifested in history, visible and accessible. 4. Titus 3:4 advances the theme: “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared.” The stress moves from the fact of appearance (2:11) to its character—kindness and philanthropic love. The earlier epiphany of grace now becomes the ongoing disclosure of divine benevolence that grounds regeneration (3:5). Christological Significance In Titus the verb functions as a christological indicator. The “appearing” does not point to an abstract principle but to the Person and mission of Jesus Christ. It affirms His historical incarnation while implicitly anticipating His future return (cf. Titus 2:13, where a cognate noun “appearing” is used). Soteriological Implications The salvific scope is explicit: salvation “to everyone” (Titus 2:11) and love “for mankind” (Titus 3:4). The verb thus anchors universal gospel proclamation while maintaining personal, experiential reception (Titus 3:5–7). Salvation is portrayed not as human ascent but as divine descent—grace appearing to us. Pastoral and Missional Applications Paul’s placement of the term in Titus, a pastoral letter to a missionary on Crete, shows its motivational use. The past appearance of grace (2:11) trains believers in present godliness (2:12) and fuels expectant hope (2:13). Ministry flows from what God has already made visible; ethical exhortations are grounded in epiphany, not legalism. Historical Context In Greco‐Roman culture an “epiphany” often described a sudden visit of a deity who brought aid. By adopting and sanctifying that vocabulary, Scripture proclaims that the one true God has given the definitive, historical epiphany in Jesus Christ—surpassing every pagan myth and fulfilling Israel’s prophetic vision. Eschatological Horizon Although the verb itself focuses on past manifestation, it foreshadows the climactic future “appearing” of Christ (Titus 2:13; 2 Timothy 4:1, 8). The completed epiphany of grace guarantees the coming epiphany of glory, weaving together justification, sanctification, and glorification in a seamless redemptive fabric. Contrast with Natural Phenomena Acts 27:20 supplies an instructive counterpoint: when creation’s lights fail to appear, human hope fades; when the Creator’s grace appears, salvation dawns. The narrative underscores the reliability of divine illumination over against the fickleness of natural light. Theological Reflection The verb enshrines the principle that revelation is not merely informational but transformational. God’s light does more than reveal; it rescues (Titus 2:11), renews (Titus 3:5), and directs (Luke 1:79). To preach or teach these texts is to bear witness to a God who does not wait for seekers to find Him but who actively shines upon those “in darkness and in the shadow of death.” Summary Strong’s Greek 2014 captures the New Testament’s proclamation of God’s decisive, gracious self‐disclosure. From the prophetic promise of dawn to the pastoral assurance of salvation and the missionary call to embody the light, each occurrence testifies that in Jesus Christ the light has indeed appeared—and continues to shine. Englishman's Concordance Luke 1:79 V-ANAGRK: ἐπιφᾶναι τοῖς ἐν NAS: TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT KJV: To give light to them that sit in INT: to shine upon those in Acts 27:20 V-PPA-GNP Titus 2:11 V-AIP-3S Titus 3:4 V-AIP-3S Strong's Greek 2014 |
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