theophany

theophany — noun

1. an event in which a god or goddess appears in visible form to a human being, as

1.nounC2
Definition

an event in which a god or goddess appears in visible form to a human being, as described in religious or mythological stories

Example

Sari learned that Moses saw a theophany when a bush burned without being destroyed.

theophany in a biblical narrative context

Aoi read that Arjuna saw a theophany when Krishna showed his form as the universe.

theophany in Hindu mythology

Common collocations
  • witness a theophany
  • experience a theophany
  • divine theophany
  • record a theophany
Synonyms
  • divine manifestation

    broader term; any sign or display of divine presence, not necessarily visual

  • epiphany

    in Christian tradition, specifically the manifestation of Christ; also used more broadly for sudden insight

  • apparition

    a ghostly or supernatural appearance, but not necessarily of a deity

  • revelation

    divine truth or knowledge disclosed, often through words rather than visual form

Grammar Patterns

theophany + of [deity/god/goddess]

theophany + to [person]

Usage Note

Countable noun; most common in academic writing about religion and mythology. Often followed by 'of' plus a deity name (e.g. a theophany of Zeus). Refers to specific events in sacred texts rather than general personal spiritual experiences.

Common Mistakes

I had a theophany when I saw the beautiful sunset.
I felt a sense of wonder when I saw the beautiful sunset.
Theophany describes a god or goddess appearing visibly, not just any profound or spiritual feeling.
The theophany of the problem was clear to everyone.
The nature of the problem was clear to everyone.
Theophany is not a general term for a sudden realisation or revelation of truth.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Theophany is the most specific term among these, referring strictly to a deity appearing in visible form. Epiphany overlaps in its Christian usage (the Magi's visit as a manifestation of Christ), but in everyday language epiphany more often means a sudden personal insight. Revelation focuses on the communication of hidden truth — it may involve words, visions, or written texts, not necessarily a visible deity. Divine manifestation is a broader phrase covering any sign of divine presence — a burning bush, a voice from heaven, or a miraculous event. Apparition suggests a ghostly or spirit-like appearance, typically not of a supreme deity. For example: 'Moses' experience at the burning bush was a theophany, whereas the Ten Commandments given on Sinai were a revelation.'

epiphany ↗revelation ↗divine manifestationapparition

Common collocations

Nouns

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

The word theophany comes from Late Greek theophaneia, a combination of the- (from theos, meaning 'god') and -phaneia (meaning 'appearance', also seen in the word epiphany). It passed through Medieval Latin theophania before entering English in the early 1600s. The first known use in English was in 1633.

First known use

1633

1633, in the meaning defined above