παραδειγματίζω

Pronunciation Guide: par-ad-igue-mat-id’-zo

Quick Answer: παραδειγματίζω means to expose publicly as an example, typically to shame or disgrace. This powerful Greek word reveals the tension between justice and mercy, appearing in Matthew 1:19 where Joseph chose not to “make Mary a public example” and in Hebrews 6:6 regarding those who “put Christ to open shame.”

What Does παραδειγματίζω Mean?

Strong’s G3856: παραδειγματίζω carries the profound meaning of exposing someone publicly as an example, particularly to bring shame or disgrace upon them. This compound Greek word combines παρά (beside, alongside) with δειγματίζω (to make a show, exhibit), creating a vivid picture of placing someone “alongside” for public viewing—much like how the Romans displayed conquered enemies in their triumphal processions. The word encompasses both the act of making an example and the intentional exposure to public humiliation. In biblical contexts, it reveals the heart-wrenching tension between righteous judgment and merciful restraint, showing us that even when someone deserves public exposure, love can choose a different path. The theological weight of this word becomes especially profound when we consider that the same term describes both Joseph’s merciful decision regarding Mary and the tragic reality of those who publicly shame the Messiah through apostasy.

Key Insight: True righteousness sometimes means protecting others from the shame they might deserve, reflecting God’s own merciful character.

Where Does παραδειγματίζω Come From?

• Part of Speech: Verb (transitive)
• Root Words: παρά (beside, alongside) + δειγματίζω (to make a show, exhibit)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek, refined in Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: To expose publicly, make an example of, put to shame
• Hebrew Equivalents: קלס (qalas – to mock), בוש (bush – to shame), חרף (charaph – to reproach)

What Is the Historical and Cultural Context of παραδειγματίζω?

The root concept traces back to the classical Greek word παράδειγμα (paradeigma), meaning “pattern” or “example,” which is also the etymological source of our English word “paradigm”. In classical usage, παραδείκνυμι meant “to exhibit, represent, expose,” combining παρά (beside, beyond) and δείκνυμι (to show, to point out).

In Greco-Roman culture, public shaming was a deliberate social mechanism used to enforce moral standards and community values. The word implies “exposing to ignominy or infamy, such as was effected in barbarous times by exposing the quarters of the executed criminal, or leaving him hanging in chains”. Roman triumphal processions perfectly illustrate this concept—captives and spoils were paraded publicly not merely for display, but to maximize the shame and demonstrate complete conquest.

Jewish Cultural Background

In first-century Jewish society, public disgrace carried devastating social consequences. Adultery was punishable by death through stoning (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:23-24), and betrothal legally constituted marriage, making perceived infidelity a capital offense. The two acceptable methods for divorce in cases of suspected adultery were either bringing the matter before the village council for public judgment or handling it privately through witnesses and a bill of divorce.

Septuagint Usage

The Septuagint employs παραδειγματίζω in passages like Numbers 25:4, Jeremiah 13:22, and Ezekiel 28:17, often in contexts where יהוה (Yahweh) commands public judgment as a deterrent to others. This background enriches our understanding of the word’s theological weight in New Testament usage.

Historical Summary: From Roman triumph parades to Jewish legal proceedings, παραδειγματίζω captured the devastating power of public shame to destroy reputations and lives forever.

How Is παραδειγματίζω Used in the Bible?

The word appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, but both instances carry profound theological significance. In the Septuagint, it appears in contexts of divine judgment where public exposure serves as both punishment and warning to others.

The term’s biblical usage reveals a consistent pattern: παραδειγματίζω describes the deliberate act of exposing someone to public disgrace, whether mercifully avoided (as with Joseph) or tragically enacted (as with apostate believers). The word’s rarity in the New Testament makes each occurrence particularly significant, highlighting moments where the choice between public exposure and private mercy becomes crucial.

The contrast between Matthew’s positive usage (mercy shown) and Hebrews’ negative usage (shame inflicted) demonstrates the word’s flexibility while maintaining its core meaning of public exposure for the purpose of example-making.

Usage Summary: Though rare, παραδειγματίζω appears at pivotal moments where public shame threatens, revealing character through the choice to expose or protect.

• Matthew 1:19 – “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example [παραδειγματίσαι], was minded to put her away privily.”
• Hebrews 6:6 – “If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame [παραδειγματίζοντας].”
• Numbers 25:4 – “And יהוה (Yahweh) said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up [παραδειγματίσον] before יהוה (Yahweh) against the sun.”

How Should παραδειγματίζω Be Translated?

Translation Tip: Context determines whether the focus is on the merciful avoidance of shame or the tragic infliction of it.

παραδειγματίζω Translation Options:

What Does παραδειγματίζω Teach Us About God?

The word παραδειγματίζω reveals profound truths about God’s character, particularly the tension between His justice and mercy. Through Joseph’s choice not to shame Mary publicly, we see a reflection of God’s own merciful nature—He could justly expose our sins for all to see, yet often chooses to deal with us privately and graciously.

Divine Justice and Mercy

God’s righteousness demands that sin be addressed, yet His love seeks to restore rather than destroy. Joseph’s righteousness was demonstrated not in rigid adherence to law, but in his mercy itself—showing that mercy can be more righteous than harsh judgment. This reflects יהוה’s (Yahweh’s) own character, who “is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8).

The tragic usage in Hebrews 6:6 shows the flip side—when people persist in apostasy, they effectively join the crowd that originally shamed the Messiah. This demonstrates that God’s patience, while extraordinary, is not infinite. Those who continually reject Him eventually find themselves aligned with His enemies, publicly shaming the very One who died for them.

Theological Core: God’s mercy protects us from the public shame our sins deserve, but persistent rejection ultimately leads to self-imposed disgrace.

How Can I Apply παραδειγματίζω to My Life?

The beautiful tension in παραδειγματίζω challenges us to examine our own hearts when others fail or disappoint us. Like Joseph, we face moments when we could justly expose someone’s faults publicly—but love calls us to a higher standard. True righteousness often means protecting others from shame rather than inflicting it, even when they might deserve it.

Consider how often we participate in modern forms of “public shaming”—gossip, social media callouts, or harsh criticism that exposes others’ failures. The spirit of παραδειγματίζω asks us: Are we seeking restoration or destruction? Are we reflecting God’s merciful character or satisfying our own sense of justice? The Holy Spirit empowers us to choose mercy over exposure, private correction over public humiliation, and restoration over retribution.

Self-Examination Questions: When someone wrongs you, do you seek to protect their reputation or expose their failure? How can you better reflect God’s mercy in situations where you could justly shame others? Are there areas where you’ve “put Christ to open shame” through your actions or attitudes?

What Words Are Similar to παραδειγματίζω?

Did You Know?

• What does παραδειγματίζω mean in modern Greek? The word has evolved to mean “to set an example” or “to exemplify,” losing much of its negative connotation of public shaming.
• How did Plutarch use παραδειγματίζω? The classical writer used it to describe how Archilochus “rendered himself infamous (paradeigmatizo) by writing obscene verses”—showing self-inflicted public shame.
• What’s the difference between παραδειγματίζω and αἰσχύνω? While both involve shame, παραδειγματίζω specifically emphasizes the public, deliberate exposure aspect, like a Roman triumph parade.
• Why does the Bible use παραδειγματίζω in Matthew 1:19? It highlights Joseph’s extraordinary kindness—he chose private divorce over the publicly humiliating trial that Jewish law permitted for suspected adultery.
• How does παραδειγματίζω relate to the concept of paradigm? Both words share the root παράδειγμα, meaning “pattern” or “example”—paradigms shape thinking while παραδειγματίζω shapes behavior through example-making.
• What causes apostasy in Hebrews 6? The context suggests believers who fall back into doubt and disbelief, effectively siding with the world that crucified Jesus rather than trusting in His finished work.
• The word appears in Septuagint contexts of divine judgment – In Numbers 25:4, God commands public execution as an example to deter Israel’s spiritual adultery, showing the serious consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

Remember This

Key Takeaway: παραδειγματίζω reveals that true righteousness sometimes chooses mercy over justice, protecting others from the public shame they might deserve—just as God protects us.