From Bible Study at CCCNY last night, a question has been raised regarding whether the use of the word 显明 is proper in Luke 1:80.
In Luke 1:80, the word public appearance in Greek is ἀνάδειξις (anadeixis - per pointing, presentation). The Chinese word used is 显明.
I searched the entire Bible, the word 显明 is only used with God or impersonal objects/matters, except for two occasions: 1. Luke 1:80, & 2. 1 Corinthians 11:19. However, the word in Greek, ἀνάδειξις, is only used once in the entire Bible.
The word ἀνάδειξις is a noun. The Chinese made it into a verb in verse 80. In Greek, it resembles someone holding up something in order to exhibit it (Baker's New Testament Commentary). I would say, either the office of John the Baptist or His pointing to Christ (as seen in many classical paintings) is referred to by the term ἀνάδειξις.