Theophany

An appearance or manifestation of God. The word comes from the Greek noun for “God” (theos) and the Greek verb “to appear” (phano).

A theophany is a representation of God in temporary but identifiable forms. It is one way God’s special revelation is given to people. It is a divine revelation in which God is made visible and recognizable to people.

God made himself known to people through:

• A special messenger called the angel of the Lord

• Through the pillar and cloud that accompanied the Israelites in their wilderness wanderings

• Through the shekinah, or his presence inside of the tabernacle.

See Angel (Angel of the Lord); Pillar of Fire and Cloud; Shekinah.