What does theophany mean? What is a Christophany?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Theophany comes from Greek words meaning “appearance of God” and refers to times when God visibly or tangibly manifested Himself to people. Christophany is a specific type of theophany in which the pre-incarnate Christ appears before His birth in Bethlehem. These events reveal God’s presence, communicate His will, and often confirm His covenant promises.

The Old Testament records multiple theophanies. God appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18:1-3), to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-6), and to Israel in the pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22). He descended on Mount Sinai in thunder, lightning, and smoke when giving the Law (Exodus 19:16-20). In some accounts, the divine figure is called “the angel of the LORD” yet speaks as God Himself (Genesis 16:7-13; Judges 6:11-24), which many understand as Christophanies.

The New Testament affirms Christ’s pre-existence and links Him to these appearances. Paul, for example, linked Jesus to the help God provided the Israelites (1 Corinthians 10:4). Jesus Himself claimed the divine name “I am” (John 8:58), identifying Himself with the LORD who spoke to Moses, confirming that He was present and active before His incarnation.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• One of the clearest theophanies is the LORD’s appearance to Abraham in Genesis 18, where “the LORD appeared” and spoke face-to-face with him. This event combined fellowship and the announcement of His plan for Isaac’s birth and Sodom’s judgment.
• The burning bush in Exodus 3 is another well-known theophany. God appeared to Moses in flames that did not consume the bush, declared His covenant name (“I AM WHO I AM”), and commissioned Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt.
• Many Old Testament Christophanies involve the angel of the LORD, a figure who speaks as God, receives worship, and forgives sin—actions not given to created angels (Genesis 16:7-13; Judges 6:11-24, 13:15-22). These qualities suggest this messenger was the pre-incarnate Christ.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• While Christophanies are confined to the Old Testament, the New Testament confirms that Christ existed before His human birth (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17) and was active in the Old Testament.
• Jesus Himself claimed continuity with these earlier appearances when He told the Jews, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), identifying Himself with the LORD who spoke to Moses.
• First Corinthians 10:1-4 also link Christ to events and figures in Israel’s history, showing that He was present and active long before His incarnation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Theophanies and Christophanies were both visible manifestations of God and the Son of God in the Old Testament. They show that God has always been present and active in history.

While God does not visibly reveal Himself today, He has been forever revealed in His Son, Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-3a). We see God today in the Bible and reading about Jesus’ works and how to live to be like Him. As believers, we also show Him to the world by loving one another (John 13:34-35). We can do that because the Holy Spirit permanently indwells us, helping mature us to be more and more like Jesus.

Therefore, knowing that God remains active, seek His presence daily through prayer and Scripture. When you face uncertainty, remember that the God who showed Himself to Abraham and Moses is the same God who stands with you. He is faithful to guide and strengthen you for whatever He calls you to do.

When Jesus returns (1 Thessalonians 4:16), God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:3). Live like that, looking forward to when we will see Him again.

UNDERSTAND

• A theophany is a visible or tangible manifestation of God to humans, while a Christophany is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ.
• The Old Testament records multiple theophanies and Christophanies, often involving the angel of the LORD, God speaking directly, or miraculous signs.
• Theophanies and Christophanies show that God has always been active in history.

REFLECT

• How do you recognize God’s presence in your life today, even though He does not appear visibly?
• How do you reflect Christ and make His presence known to others through your words and actions?
• How does knowing that God was active and revealed Himself throughout history affect your trust in Him now?

ENGAGE

• How do theophanies and Christophanies help us understand God’s interaction with humanity and His plan of salvation?
• How can we see continuity between God’s visible manifestations in the Old Testament and the life and work of Jesus in the New Testament?
• How does understanding that God has been actively working throughout history shape our understanding of His relationship with us?