διαφανής
diaphanḗs
G1307
SILEX Entry
Definition
Transmitting light so as to allow what is behind to be seen; transparent, translucent. In broader contexts, diaphanḗs refers to that which is easily seen through or is clear in appearance. It can also denote figuratively something that is obvious or manifest.
Semantic Range
transparent, diaphanous, translucent, letting light pass through, clear, manifest, obvious
Root / Etymology
From the preposition διά (through) and the verb φαίνω (to shine, to appear), thus literally meaning 'that through which light shines' or 'that appears through.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
diaphanḗs is a rare word in ancient Greek and appears infrequently in surviving literature. In classical Greek, it is used primarily of materials that allow light to pass through, such as glass or thin fabrics. The compound construction parallels the English 'diaphanous.' In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including possible appearances in later manuscripts, it retains this quality of letting light pass through, with extension to visual or manifest clarity. The word occurs very rarely or not at all in the New Testament and the major Septuagint texts, but may be attested in later ecclesiastical writings or as a descriptive term in philosophical or scientific Greek. Of note, English Bible traditions do not translate this term, as it is not present in standard canons, but the semantic field is closely related to terms for clarity, purity, and manifestness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and φαίνω; appearing through, i.e. "diaphanous":--transparent.
Root Family
διαφαν- (diaphanḗs) — to shine through, to appear through
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.