ἀναφαίνω
anaphaínō
G398 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To bring into view, to cause to appear, to manifest or reveal something that was previously unseen; in passive or middle forms, to come into view or become visible, to appear or show oneself (especially in physical or metaphorical senses). Emphasizes the process or moment of something emerging, becoming evident, or being made evident to others.
Semantic Range
to cause to appear, to bring something to light, to reveal, to manifest, to present, to show oneself (middle/passive), to become visible, to appear
Root / Etymology
Formed from prefix ἀνά (up, again) and the verb φαίνω (to reveal, to bring to light), thus 'to bring up into light' or 'cause to appear.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀναφαίνω carries the sense of causing something to emerge or be made visible, whether physically (as with the rising of a celestial body) or metaphorically (uncovering, making clear). In the Koine period, its active form often means to present or reveal, while the middle and passive forms most commonly mean 'to appear' or 'to become visible,' for example in narratives describing a sudden or significant manifestation. In the New Testament and Septuagint, usage is relatively rare, with focus on visible or notable appearance (such as a person, sign, or event). English translations vary between 'appear,' 'be revealed,' or 'show (oneself),' but often flatten the nuance of a process of becoming evident (dynamic emergence rather than mere presence). Contrast with φαίνομαι (to appear in general, more neutral), and with ἐπιφαίνω (to appear upon, often with emphasis on unveiling or manifesting divinely).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀνά and φαίνω; to show, i.e. (reflexively) appear, or (passively) to have pointed out:--(should) appear, discover.
Root Family
ἀναφαίνω (anaphainō) — to bring to light, to cause to appear, to manifest, to reveal
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G398-02 |
ἀναφάναντες | anaphanantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having sighted | having brought to light | having sighted | 1 |
G398-01 |
ἀναφαίνεσθαι | anaphainesthai | V PRS PASS INF |
to appear | to come into view | to appear | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G398-01 |
Luke 19:11 | ἀναφαίνεσθαι | anaphainesthai | V PRS PASS INF |
to appear | to come into view | to appear |
G398-02 |
Acts 21:3 | ἀναφάναντες | anaphanantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having sighted | having brought to light | having sighted |