Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Revelation”
The biblical word “Revelation” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (galah (Hebrew), apokalypsis (Greek)), where it meant “The act of making known divine truth or future events; an unveiling of God's purposes”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The act of revealing or disclosing something previously hidden; in theology, God's disclosure of truth”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekgalah (Hebrew), apokalypsis (Greek)The act of making known divine truth or future events; an unveiling of God's purposes
Hebrew galah (H1540) 'to uncover, reveal' (Isaiah 53:1); prophets receive revelation of God's word. Greek apokalypsis (ἀποκάλυψις) literally 'uncovering' (apo+kalyptein); appears in 1 Corinthians 14:26 and titles the Revelation of John.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinrevelatioThe disclosure of divine truths or the future; God's self-communication to humanity through prophets and Scripture
Latin revelatio (from revelare, 'to unveil') became standard theological term. Scholastic theology: General Revelation (through creation), Special Revelation (through Scripture and Christ). Book of Revelation as apocalyptic revelation central to eschatology.
Modern English
EnglishrevelationThe act of revealing or disclosing something previously hidden; in theology, God's disclosure of truth
From Old French revelation. Theological use: divine revelation, special revelation. Extended to any disclosure or striking disclosure of information. 'Had a revelation' = suddenly understood something previously obscure.