δῆλος
dēlos
G1212 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Visible, clearly seen or recognized; manifest or evident in an observable, unmistakable way. In Greek usage, δῆλος primarily denotes something that is openly apparent to sight, understanding, or judgment—something that is not hidden or ambiguous. The term can be used both of concrete phenomena (visible objects or actions) and abstract qualities (evident truths, manifest facts). In extended contexts, it may express 'clearly known,' 'plain,' or 'obvious' to observers or hearers.
Semantic Range
visible, clear to the senses, evident, manifest, plain, obvious, clearly known
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: Greek root δηλ-; the word is not transparently connected to other Indo-European roots, and is of uncertain etymology. It is attested in ancient Greek literature (e.g., Homeric, Classical); no Hebrew or Aramaic cognate is indicated.
Historical & Contextual Notes
δῆλος appears with similar meanings from classical Greek onwards, commonly describing that which is open to sight or plainly recognizable. It is used variously of persons (who are clearly visible or identifiable), actions (which plainly reveal intent), and statements or arguments (which are manifestly true or unambiguous). In Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, its usage retains this classical sense, signaling what is unmistakably apparent or self-evident. English translations often render δῆλος as 'evident,' 'manifest,' or 'obvious,' but older renderings such as 'bewray' (to reveal or make known) are archaic. The semantic field of δῆλος is consistent with related Greek terms like φανερός (conspicuous, visible), but δῆλος more strongly emphasizes clarity to the mind or eye. In New Testament usage, the term typically relates to something 'plainly' or 'openly' shown, and does not take on specifically theological nuances.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; clear:--+ bewray, certain, evident, manifest.
Root Family
δηλ- (dēlos) — to make visible, to make evident, to reveal
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1212-01 |
δῆλόν | delon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
evident | the evident one | clear | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1212-01 |
Matthew 26:73 | δῆλόν | delon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
evident | the evident one | clear |
G1212-01 |
1 Corinthians 15:27 | δῆλον | delon | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
it is evident | the evident one | it is evident |
G1212-01 |
Galatians 3:11 | δῆλον | delon | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
evident | the evident one | evident |