rivelazione

Rivelazione is an Italian noun derived from Latin revelatio, meaning an unveiling or disclosure. In common usage, it denotes both the act of revealing something that was hidden and the result of that act, a thing that has been revealed. In religious contexts, it often refers to divine disclosure of truth to humankind.

In Christian theology, rivelazione divina or rivelazione di Dio describes the communication of God’s will and knowledge to people, traditionally through Scripture and tradition. The concept distinguishes general revelation, accessible to all through nature and conscience, from special or particular revelation, entrusted to prophets and sacred texts. In Italian Christian writings, the Book of Revelation is usually titled L'Apocalisse, with some texts also using Rivelazione di Gesù Cristo.

In Judaism and Islam, the idea of revelation appears as God revealing commandments and guidance to chosen individuals or communities. In Italian discussions of Islam, rivelazione is used to translate concepts of prophethood and divine messages, notably the Qur'anic revelation to Muhammad. In secular usage, rivelazione can mean a sudden insight or disclosure in science, philosophy, or everyday life, as when a hidden truth is revealed or a mystery is solved.

In literature and art, rivelazione is often used to indicate a plot twist or the moment when a key truth becomes known to characters or readers. The term thus functions across religious, philosophical, and cultural contexts to denote disclosure, unveiling, or illumination.

See also: Revelation, Rivelazione divina, The Apocalypse (Apocalisse), General revelation, Special revelation.