ἐπιφανής
epiphanḗs
G2016 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Appearing openly, manifest, or conspicuous to perception; refers to something or someone made clearly visible or prominent. In figurative use, notable or outstanding, standing out to memory or attention. In some contexts, can indicate splendour or illustriousness.
Semantic Range
visible, manifest, conspicuous, notable, illustrious, outstanding, memorable, revealed, made evident
Root / Etymology
From the verb ἐπιφαίνω (to appear, make manifest, cause to shine upon). Formed with the preposition ἐπί (upon) and φαίνω (to shine, to appear). The suffix -ής forms adjectives indicating a quality or condition. Thus, ἐπιφανής means 'manifest, conspicuous, made visible.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐπιφανής commonly means 'conspicuous,' 'illustrious,' or 'manifest,' applied to both persons (prominent individuals, notable for their deeds or status) and actions or phenomena (clear, outstanding, self-evident). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament-era literature, it maintains this sense of prominence or clear manifestation. The term could be used for visible appearances—such as the revealing of a person, event, or celestial sign. It was also used as an honorary title for rulers or deities (e.g., Antiochus IV Epiphanes, 'the manifest [god]'). Standard English translations vary between 'notable,' 'manifest,' or 'distinguished,' but may not always capture the vivid sense of direct manifestation or evident presence the Greek implies. In LXX and non-biblical Koine, the word sometimes denotes divine or supernatural revelation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπιφαίνω; conspicuous, i.e. (figuratively) memorable:--notable.
Root Family
ἐπιφανής (epiphanēs) — to shine, to appear, to become visible; manifest, conspicuous
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2016-01 |
ἐπιφανῆ | epiphane | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
notable | manifest (feminine singular accusative) | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2016-01 |
Acts 2:20 | ἐπιφανῆ | epiphane | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
notable | manifest (feminine singular accusative) |