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    Revelation

    גָּלָה (Galah) / ἀποκάλυψις (Apokalypsis)

    God's unveiling of hidden truth to humanity

    Greek
    Pronunciation: gah-LAH / ap-ok-AL-oop-sis
    Quick Answer

    Revelation means 'unveiling' or 'uncovering.' In Scripture, it refers to God making known His character, will, and plans to humanity — through creation, Scripture, prophets, and supremely through Jesus Christ.

    "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass." — Revelation 1:1 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Revelation 1:1

    “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.”
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    Galatians 1:12

    “For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
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    Psalm 19:1

    “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
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    What Is Revelation?

    The Greek word 'apokalypsis' literally means 'an unveiling' or 'a pulling back of the curtain.' Revelation is God's act of making known what would otherwise remain hidden. Without revelation, we could not know God's character, understand His purposes, or find salvation. God chose to reveal Himself — this is the foundation of all biblical faith and knowledge.

    General and Special Revelation

    Theologians distinguish between general revelation (what God reveals through creation, conscience, and history) and special revelation (what God reveals through Scripture, prophets, and ultimately Jesus Christ). General revelation shows that God exists; special revelation shows who God is and how we can know Him. Both are necessary — creation declares God's glory (Psalm 19:1), but Scripture declares His salvation plan.

    The Book of Revelation

    The final book of the Bible, Revelation (Apokalypsis), is the supreme example of divine revelation. Written by the apostle John during his exile on Patmos, it unveils the climax of God's plan for history — the return of Christ, the defeat of evil, the final judgment, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth. Despite its complex symbolism, its central message is clear: Jesus Christ wins, and His kingdom endures forever.

    Christ as Ultimate Revelation

    The writer of Hebrews declares that God 'hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son' (Hebrews 1:2). Jesus Christ is the ultimate and complete revelation of God. To see Jesus is to see the Father (John 14:9). All previous revelation pointed toward Him, and all future understanding flows from Him. He is the Word made flesh — God's final, definitive self-disclosure to humanity.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does apokalypsis mean?

    Apokalypsis is a Greek word meaning 'unveiling,' 'uncovering,' or 'disclosure.' In the Bible, it refers to God's act of revealing hidden truths to humanity. The Book of Revelation takes its name from this word, as it unveils God's plan for the end of history and the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ.

    What is the difference between general and special revelation?

    General revelation is what God reveals about Himself through creation, human conscience, and history — available to all people. Special revelation is what God reveals through Scripture, prophets, and supremely through Jesus Christ — providing specific knowledge about salvation, God's character, and His will for humanity.

    What is the Greek word for "Revelation" in the Bible?

    גָּלָה (Galah) / ἀποκάλυψις (Apokalypsis), pronounced "gah-LAH / ap-ok-AL-oop-sis." It means god's unveiling of hidden truth to humanity. It is the word behind "Revelation" in both Testaments, for example in Revelation 1:1.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Revelation"?

    Revelation 1:1 — "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass" (KJV). It also appears in Galatians 1:12, Psalm 19:1.

    Related Words

    Prophet
    Truth
    Faith

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    Word Meaning

    Revelation (גָּלָה (Galah) / ἀποκάλυψις (Apokalypsis))

    God's unveiling of hidden truth to humanity

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    Spiritual Warfare

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