Lexical Summary phanerós: Manifest, evident, clear, visible Original Word: φανερός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance openly, publicly, clearlyAdverb from phaneros; plainly, i.e. Clearly or publicly -- evidently, openly. see GREEK phaneros HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5320 phanerṓs (an adverb) – open, manifest ("come to light"). See 5319 (phaneroō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from phaneros Definition manifestly, openly NASB Translation clearly (1), publicly (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5320: φανερῶςφανερῶς (see φανερός) (from Aeschylus and Herodotus down), adverb, manifestly; i. e. a. plainly, clearly: ἰδεῖν τινα, Acts 10:3. b. openly: Mark 1:45; opposed to ἐν κρύπτω, John 7:10. Strong’s Greek 5320 describes an action or appearance that is evident to all eyes—an occurrence not hidden but out in the open. Though it surfaces only three times in the New Testament, each context reveals an important dimension of divine disclosure: the tension between secrecy and revelation, the timing of public ministry, and the clarity of God’s guidance. Mark 1:45 — Publicity and the “Messianic Secret” After being healed, the leper “began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly” (Mark 1:45). The term underscores how uncontrolled testimony forced Jesus to withdraw to desolate places. Here “openly” contrasts with the Lord’s desire to limit premature notoriety. The verse illustrates: John 7:10 — Divine Timing in Public Ministry At the Feast of Tabernacles, “He went not publicly, but secretly” (John 7:10). The adverb marks the path Jesus chose in obedience to the Father’s timetable, avoiding a fanfare that would provoke hostile leaders before the appointed hour. Lessons emerge: Acts 10:3 — Clear Revelation to the Gentiles Cornelius “saw clearly in a vision an angel of God” (Acts 10:3). The word describes the unmistakable character of the vision that opened the gospel door to the Gentiles. Its inclusion at this historic hinge-point signals: Thematic Threads 1. Revelation vs. concealment: Each scene balances hiddenness with manifestation, mirroring the biblical pattern that God unveils truth progressively. Historical Implications • In first-century Palestine, public appearance could attract both followers and foes; “openly” bore political and religious risk. Ministry Principles • Testify, but heed timing: zeal must serve, not sabotage, God’s strategy. Doctrinal Significance The selective use of 5320 affirms both the freedom and the restraint of divine disclosure. The same God who hides matters “for a time” (compare Proverbs 25:2) can also make them plain. This harmony safeguards the integrity of progressive revelation and underscores that Scripture’s unfolding account is cohesive, intentional, and ultimately public: “For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed” (Luke 8:17). Practical Application Believers are called to walk in wisdom—speaking boldly when God opens doors, waiting quietly when He closes them, and trusting that whatever He intends to display, He will do so “openly.” Englishman's Concordance Mark 1:45 AdvGRK: αὐτὸν δύνασθαι φανερῶς εἰς πόλιν NAS: no longer publicly enter KJV: could no more openly enter into INT: he was able openly into [the] city John 7:10 Adv Acts 10:3 Adv |
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