different between epiphany vs theophany

English

Etymology

From Old French epyphanie, from Late Latin epiphania, from Ancient Greek ????????? (epipháneia, “manifestation, striking appearance”), from ???????? (epiphaín?, “I appear, display”), from ??? (epí, “upon”) + ????? (phaín?, “I shine, appear”). English Epiphany (of Christ) since the 14th century, generic use since the 17th century.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??p?f.?.ni/, /??p?f.ni/, /??p?f.?.ni/

Noun

epiphany (plural epiphanies)

1. An illuminating realization or discovery, often resulting in a personal feeling of elation, awe, or wonder.

   Synonyms: aha moment, enlightenment, nirvana, satori
2. A manifestation or appearance of a divine or superhuman being.

   Synonym: theophany

3. (Christianity) Alternative letter-case form of Epiphany.

Related terms

• (Christian celebration): Epiphany

Translations

See also

• Advent
• Christmas
• eureka
• Twelve Days of Christmas

Further reading

• epiphany (feeling) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
• epiphany (disambiguation) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

English

Etymology

From Late Latin theophania, corresponding to theo- +? -phany, from ??? (theo, “God”) + ????? (phaín?, “I shine, appear”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?i???f?ni/

Noun

theophany (plural theophanies)

1. A manifestation of a deity to a person.
   • 2009, Karen Armstrong, The Case for God, Vintage 2010, p. 47:

     It was a bewildering theophany, since it was impossible to make out anything clearly in the stormy obscurity of thunder, lightning, smoke and wind.

Related terms

• epiphany
• hierophany

Translations