Epiphany vs. Revelation — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
"Epiphany" refers to a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually triggered by a commonplace occurrence. "Revelation" involves a surprising and previously unknown fact being made clear, often in
Difference Between Epiphany and Revelation
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Key Differences
An epiphany is often personal and subjective, characterized by a moment of sudden clarity or understanding that profoundly changes someone's views or feelings about a subject. Whereas revelation typically involves disclosing information that was previously hidden or unknown to others, and it can have a broader societal impact.
Epiphanies frequently occur during ordinary activities, where an individual gains a new perspective or unexpected insight into a complex issue. On the other hand, revelations are often presented or experienced in a way that unveils truths or secrets that have significant implications.
The nature of an epiphany is primarily transformative on an individual level, often leading to significant personal growth or change. While revelations can lead to widespread change, affecting many people or altering the course of events in significant ways.
In terms of emotional impact, an epiphany can be quietly profound, deeply affecting an individual’s internal world and personal philosophy. Revelations, however, often elicit a strong public or external reaction, due to the nature of the disclosed information.
Sources of epiphanies are typically internal, stemming from personal reflection or an incidental trigger in one's environment. Boundaries of revelations can be external, such as in the disclosure of a secret or the uncovering of information through research or investigation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A sudden intuitive leap of understanding.
The act of revealing or disclosing something important.
Trigger
Often a simple, everyday occurrence.
Can be a dramatic disclosure or discovery.
Impact
Primarily personal and internal.
Often public and widespread.
Nature
Insightful and transformative on a personal level.
Informative, unveiling hidden truths.
Example
Realizing the importance of a loved one during a casual conversation.
Learning about a historical truth that changes public perception.
Compare with Definitions
Epiphany
A spontaneous insight that resolves a long-standing issue.
An epiphany struck her on how to solve the complex problem at work.
Revelation
Unveiling significant information that impacts many people.
The revelation that the water supply had been contaminated sparked widespread concern.
Epiphany
A profound new insight or understanding from a simple everyday experience.
During dinner, he had an epiphany that the key to happiness was spending time with family.
Revelation
A dramatic or surprising disclosure that changes understanding.
His memoir provided revelations about the entertainment industry.
Epiphany
The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12).
Revelation
The act of making something evident or known.
The archaeological dig led to the revelation of an ancient civilization.
Epiphany
A moment of sudden and great revelation or realization.
Revelation
In religion and theology, revelation is the revealing or disclosing of some form of truth or knowledge through communication with a deity or other supernatural entity or entities.
Epiphany
Epiphany A Christian feast celebrating the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi, traditionally observed on January 6.
Revelation
The act of revealing or disclosing.
Epiphany
A revelatory manifestation of a divine being.
Revelation
Something revealed, especially a dramatic disclosure of something not previously known or realized.
Epiphany
A sudden insight or intuitive understanding
"He had a painful epiphany about the absurdity of the job and quit" (Aleksandar Hemon).
Revelation
A sudden insight or idea
"I'd had the idea to dig up Dad's coffin ... I was lying in bed and I had the revelation, like a simple solution to an impossible problem" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Epiphany
An illuminating realization or discovery, often resulting in a personal feeling of elation, awe, or wonder.
It came to her in an epiphany what her life's work was to be.
Revelation
(Theology) A manifestation of divine will or truth.
Epiphany
A manifestation or appearance of a divine or superhuman being.
Revelation
Revelation See Table at Bible.
Epiphany
(Christianity) Epiphany.
Revelation
The act of revealing or disclosing.
Epiphany
An appearance, or a becoming manifest.
Whom but just before they beheld transfigured and in a glorious epiphany upon the mount.
An epic poet, if ever such a difficult birth should make its epiphany in Paris.
Revelation
Something that is revealed.
Epiphany
A church festival celebrated on the 6th of January, the twelfth day after Christmas, in commemoration of the visit of the Magi of the East to Bethlehem, to see and worship the child Jesus; or, as others maintain, to commemorate the appearance of the star to the Magi, symbolizing the manifestation of Christ to the Gentles; Twelfthtide.
Revelation
Something dramatically disclosed.
Epiphany
A divine manifestation
Revelation
(theology) A manifestation of divine truth.
Epiphany
Twelve days after Christmas; celebrates the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus
Revelation
Something that turns out to be a great success.
Epiphany
A personal realization that changes one's approach to life.
His father's gentle advice led to an epiphany about dealing with anger.
Revelation
The act of revealing, disclosing, or discovering to others what was before unknown to them.
Epiphany
A sudden clear understanding of a complex concept.
While reading a novel, she had an epiphany about the theme of forgiveness.
Revelation
That which is revealed.
Revelation
The act of revealing divine truth.
By revelation he made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote afore in few words.
Revelation
Specifically, the last book of the sacred canon, containing the prophecies of St. John; the Apocalypse or Book of Revelation or The Revelation of Saint John.
Revelation
The speech act of making something evident
Revelation
An enlightening or astonishing disclosure
Revelation
Communication of knowledge to man by a divine or supernatural agency
Revelation
The last book of the New Testament; contains visionary descriptions of heaven and of conflicts between good and evil and of the end of the world; attributed to Saint John the apostle
Revelation
The disclosure of information that was previously secret or unknown.
The revelation of the whistleblower changed the political landscape.
Revelation
An astonishing disclosure about facts or truths.
The scientist's revelation about the new drug was groundbreaking.
Common Curiosities
What are the implications of a revelation in a professional context?
In a professional context, a revelation can lead to significant changes in operations, strategies, or public perception, depending on the nature of the information revealed.
Can a revelation lead to an epiphany?
Yes, learning new, revealing information can trigger personal insights, thus a revelation can lead to an epiphany.
How does a revelation differ from an epiphany in terms of scope?
Revelations generally have a broader scope, often impacting multiple people or public knowledge, while epiphanies are more personal and introspective.
Are epiphanies always positive?
While often beneficial, epiphanies can sometimes be unsettling as they might involve realizing difficult truths.
Can you provide examples of epiphanies and revelations?
An epiphany might be realizing the solution to a problem after struggling with it for a while, while a revelation could be uncovering a family secret that changes your understanding of your heritage.
Are epiphanies and revelations synonymous with enlightenment?
They share similarities in terms of gaining understanding, but enlightenment typically refers to a broader, more profound state of wisdom or spiritual insight.
Can you plan for an epiphany or revelation?
While you can create conditions conducive to insight, such as reflection or exploration, the timing and nature of epiphanies and revelations are often unpredictable.
What typically triggers an epiphany?
An epiphany can be triggered by a seemingly trivial event that leads to a deep, personal insight or realization.
Are epiphanies and revelations common in literature and art?
Yes, they're often key elements in storytelling, representing moments of profound realization or unveiling of truth for characters and audiences alike.
Can epiphanies and revelations happen in dreams?
Absolutely! Dreams can be powerful sources of insight and revelation, leading to waking epiphanies.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
