Does the Word Epiphany Appear in the Bible?

The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek  ἐπιφανεία, pronounced epiphaneia. The verbal form means  “to appear” or “to be made manifest.” Epiphany is thus sometimes called “The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.” The Gentile Wise Men are the first fruits of Gentile worship for the the King of the Jews.

At 2 Maccabees 15:27, the term epiphaneia is used for a manifestation of the God of Israel:

So fighting with their hands, but praying to the Lord with their hearts, they slew no less than five and thirty thousand, being greatly cheered with the presence of God {τῇ τοῦ θεοῦ μεγάλως εὐφρανθέντες ἐπιφανείᾳ}.

Saint Paul uses the term to refer to the birth of Christ:

But is now made manifest by the illumination {διὰ τῆς ἐπιφανείας} of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has destroyed death and has brought to light life and incorruption by the gospel (2 Tim 1:10).

The New Testament also uses the term many other times, usually to describe Christ’s appearances after the resurrection or His Second Coming. Have a happy and blessed Epiphany. There is a tradition to have your home blessed in the octave of Epiphany, so act now and see if you can have Father do the honors.