theophany

[thee-of-uh-nee]

noun

plural

theophanies 

1. a manifestation or appearance of God or a god to a person.

theophany

/ θɪˈɒfənɪ, θɪəˈfænɪk /

noun

1. theol a manifestation of a deity to man in a form that, though visible, is not necessarily material

Other Word Forms

• theophanic adjective
• theophanous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of theophany¹

1625–35; < Late Latin theophania < Late Greek theopháneia. See theo-, -phany

Word History and Origins

Origin of theophany¹

C17: from Late Latin theophania, from Late Greek theophaneia, from _theo- + phainein to show

Example Sentences

But generally the influence of the divine or divinised being is more directly exercised, as in oracles, dreams, invisible touches, or actual theophanies, or appearances of the gods to the adoring patient.

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In ch. xix. we have a twofold description of the theophany on Mt.

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Robben, perhaps somewhat immodest, seemed to agree that the stadium had just witnessed a kind of theophany: "Everybody was tired in extra-time but I found my second life," he said.

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But when it is argued that wondrous theophanies are common to all faiths, two replies present themselves.

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The theophany is perhaps similar to that of Sinai.

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