δῆλος

clear, manifest, evident

Definition

The adjective δῆλος (dēlos) means 'clear,' 'manifest,' or 'evident.' It describes something that is plainly visible, obvious, or unmistakably true. In the New Testament, it consistently carries this sense of undeniable clarity, whether referring to the evident accent of Peter in Matthew 26:73 or the clear theological argument made by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:27 and Galatians 3:11. There is no significant shift in its core meaning across its uses; it always points to a fact or reality that is openly apparent.

Biblical Usage

δῆλος is used four times in the New Testament, exclusively by the apostles Matthew and Paul. It functions adjectivally to underscore the obvious nature of a statement or situation. In Matthew 26:73, it highlights the undeniable evidence of Peter's Galilean accent. Paul employs it in doctrinal arguments to introduce scriptural citations that he presents as self-evident proofs, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:27 (about Christ's authority) and Galatians 3:11 (concerning justification by faith). Its final use in 1 Timothy 6:7 bluntly states the evident truth that we bring nothing into the world and take nothing out.

Etymology

Derived directly from the ancient Greek adjective δῆλος, meaning 'visible,' 'clear,' or 'conspicuous.' It is related to the verb δηλόω (dēloō, G1213), which means 'to make clear' or 'to show.' The root concept is one of bringing something into the light or making it plain to see, a meaning it retained into the Koine Greek of the New Testament.

Semantic Range

While not a central theological term, δῆλος is significant for its role in apostolic argumentation. Paul uses it to flag scriptural evidence he considers incontrovertible, anchoring his teachings on resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:27) and justification (Galatians 3:11) in truths presented as manifestly clear from the Old Testament. This underscores the New Testament writers' appeal to objective, evident reality in their proclamation, reinforcing the logical and scriptural foundations of Christian doctrine for the reader.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of something being 'clear' or 'evident' (δῆλος) was important in rhetoric, law, and philosophy, where arguments relied on premises accepted as obviously true. Paul's usage aligns with this cultural value, employing the word to introduce evidence he expects his audience to immediately accept without dispute, thereby strengthening his persuasive appeal.

φανερός (phaneros, G5318) — emphasizes being visible, open to sight, or publicly known. φανερός can imply a revelation or disclosure, while δῆλος leans more toward logical or evident clarity. ἐμφανής (emphanēs, G1717) — means 'manifest' or 'clearly seen,' often with a sense of being plainly presented or shown forth.

Word Details

Scripture References