theophany

[ thee-of-uh-nee ]

noun

, plural the·oph·a·nies.

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

Derived Forms

• theophanic, adjective

Other Words From

• the·o·phan·ic [thee-, uh, -, fan, -ik], the·opha·nous 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.

From Project Gutenberg

A noticeable feature of this narrative, of which xx. 18-21 forms a natural continuation, is the fact that the theophany is addressed to the people, who are too frightened to remain near the mountain itself.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From The Guardian

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

From Project Gutenberg

The theophany is perhaps similar to that of Sinai.

From Project Gutenberg