ἐπιδείκνυμι

I show, prove

Definition

The verb ἐπιδείκνυμι means 'to show,' 'to display,' or 'to prove.' It often carries the sense of presenting something visibly or publicly for observation or verification. In a more demonstrative sense, it can mean to prove or establish a point through evidence or argument. For example, in Matthew 22:19, Jesus asks to be shown a coin, indicating a simple act of display. In contrast, in Acts 18:28, Apollos powerfully proves from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ, showcasing the word's use in logical demonstration.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts. It is used in various contexts: for physically showing an object (Matthew 22:19, Luke 20:24), for pointing out or displaying something (Matthew 24:1, Luke 17:14), and for proving or demonstrating a truth through argument (Acts 18:28). A unique usage is in Luke 24:40, where Jesus shows his disciples his hands and feet as proof of his bodily resurrection. The usage in Acts 9:39, where Dorcas's garments are shown, also fits the pattern of tangible display.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon,' 'over,' or 'to') combined with the root verb δείκνυμι (deiknymi, meaning 'to show' or 'to point out'). The prefix ἐπί can intensify the meaning, adding a sense of 'showing forth' or 'displaying publicly.' It is related to other 'showing' words like ἀποδείκνυμι (apodeiknymi, 'to demonstrate' or 'prove') and ἐνδείκνυμι (endeiknymi, 'to show' or 'demonstrate in oneself').

Semantic Range

This word is significant in contexts of revelation and proof. When used for proving a scriptural point, as in Acts 18:28, it highlights the early church's method of apologetics—demonstrating Christ from the Old Testament. In the resurrection account (Luke 24:40), the physical showing of Jesus's wounds provides tangible, empirical evidence for the reality of his risen body, countering doubt and affirming the physical nature of the resurrection. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying whether a passage involves simple display or a more profound act of demonstration and proof.

In the Greco-Roman world, public demonstration and rhetorical proof were highly valued, especially in philosophical and legal settings. The act of 'showing' (δείκνυμι) could carry formal, even forensic, weight. The prefix ἐπί might imply a presentation directed toward an audience or for a specific purpose. This cultural backdrop helps explain its use in Acts 18:28, where Apollos engages in public, reasoned debate—a common practice in synagogues and public squares—to prove his case about Jesus.

δείκνυμι (deiknymi, G1166) — The simpler root verb for 'to show' or 'point out,' without the intensive prefix. ἀποδείκνυμι (apodeiknymi, G584) — Often means 'to demonstrate,' 'prove,' or 'appoint,' with a sense of bringing forth evidence or establishing something formally. ἐνδείκνυμι (endeiknymi, G1731) — Means 'to show forth,' 'demonstrate,' or 'give evidence of,' often with a focus on displaying a quality in oneself.

Word Details

Scripture References