Pronunciation Guide: DAYG-mah (δεῖγ-μα)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G1164: The Greek word δεῖγμα (deigma) refers to a specimen, example, or visible proof that demonstrates something clearly. It carries the sense of a public display or exhibition intended to serve as a warning or instruction to others. In biblical usage, it specifically relates to something shown as an example of divine judgment, highlighting how God makes visible displays of His righteousness and justice.
Etymology and Morphology
- Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)
- Root Word: δείκνυμι (deiknymi) – to show, demonstrate, or point out
- Language Origin: Classical Greek
- Primary Usage: Found in narrative and teaching sections to illustrate divine judgment
- Frequency: Rare, appearing only once in the New Testament (Jude 1:7)
δεῖγμα Morphology:
- δεῖγμα (nominative singular) – an example/specimen
- δείγματος (genitive singular) – of an example
- δείγματι (dative singular) – by/with an example
- δεῖγμα (accusative singular) – example (as direct object)
Origin & History
The word δεῖγμα derives from the verb δείκνυμι (deiknymi), which means “to show” or “to point out.” In classical Greek literature, it was commonly used in commercial contexts to denote a sample or specimen that represented the quality of goods being sold. Aristotle, in his “Rhetoric,” used the term when discussing how speakers might provide concrete examples to illustrate their arguments.
In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), while δεῖγμα itself is rare, related forms appear in contexts of warning displays. The concept became particularly significant in Hellenistic Judaism, where visible examples of punishment were understood as divine pedagogy. Philo of Alexandria, in his work “On the Life of Moses,” employs related terminology when discussing how God’s judgments serve as instructive displays for humanity.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- A specimen or sample that represents something larger
- A visible demonstration or proof that illustrates a principle
- A public exhibition intended as a warning to others
- An example set forth for instruction or caution
- A display of divine judgment that reveals God’s character
δεῖγμα Translation Options:
- Public Example – Emphasizes the visibility and instructive nature of the display
- Warning Specimen – Highlights the cautionary aspect of the example
- Exhibition – Captures the sense of something deliberately displayed for others to observe
- Visible Proof – Stresses the evidential nature of what is shown
- Demonstrative Instance – Reflects the root meaning of showing or pointing out
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, δεῖγμα appears only once, in Jude 1:7, where it refers to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah serving as an example of divine judgment: “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example (δεῖγμα) by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
This usage is significant because it establishes that God’s judgments are not arbitrary but serve as visible demonstrations of His righteousness. The fire that consumed these cities becomes a physical manifestation—a δεῖγμα—of God’s response to persistent rebellion and immorality.
While the exact term δεῖγμα appears only once, the concept of exemplary judgment appears throughout Scripture, particularly in passages that discuss how God’s actions toward some serve as warnings to others:
- “So they will be a δεῖγμα of the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 1:7
Cultural Insights
In the ancient Near Eastern world, public displays of punishment were common practice. Kings would often make examples of rebels or criminals by displaying their bodies at city gates or prominent locations. This cultural practice informed the understanding of δεῖγμα as more than just an example—it carried connotations of deliberate, instructive warning.
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah held particular significance in Jewish tradition. By the first century, the Dead Sea region was known as a visible reminder of divine judgment. Jewish pilgrims would often visit the area, seeing the barren landscape, smelling the sulfur, and observing the lifeless waters as a tangible δεῖγμα—a specimen of God’s judgment that remained visible centuries after the event. Josephus, in his “Antiquities of the Jews,” even claimed that the ruins of these cities could still be seen in his day, serving as an ongoing example and warning.
Theological Significance
The concept of δεῖγμα provides profound insight into God’s pedagogical purpose in judgment. Rather than simply punishing for punishment’s sake, יהוה (Yahweh) establishes visible examples that reveal His character and instruct humanity. This reflects divine wisdom and compassion—God does not delight in judgment but uses it to demonstrate the seriousness of sin and the certainty of His justice.
Furthermore, δεῖγμα illuminates the purpose behind God’s more severe judgments recorded in Scripture. When understood through this lens, events like the Flood, the destruction of Sodom, or the judgment of Korah’s rebellion are not merely punitive but instructive—they serve as divine object lessons for subsequent generations. This demonstrates God’s long-term perspective on human history, where each judgment becomes a signpost directing humanity toward repentance and righteousness.
In the broader theological framework, the concept of δεῖγμα also prefigures the ultimate example—the cross itself. While not explicitly described with this term, the crucifixion represents the supreme display (δεῖγμα) of both divine judgment against sin and divine love toward sinners. The Messiah became the ultimate example, bearing God’s wrath so that believers might learn from His sacrifice rather than experience judgment themselves.
Personal Application
Understanding δεῖγμα invites us to view the difficult passages of Scripture—those describing God’s judgments—not as obstacles to faith but as expressions of divine mercy. By establishing clear examples, God provides us with knowledge that can lead to wisdom and repentance without requiring us to experience judgment firsthand.
This concept also challenges us to consider what kind of example we are setting with our lives. Are we, like Sodom, becoming a negative δεῖγμα that demonstrates the consequences of rebellion? Or are we becoming a positive example that displays God’s transforming grace? The apostle Paul understood this when he told believers to be “examples to the flock” and to “imitate me as I imitate the Messiah.” Each believer becomes, in a sense, a living δεῖγμα—a visible demonstration of either worldly values or kingdom principles.
Related Words
- παράδειγμα (paradeigma) [pah-RAH-dayg-mah] – A pattern or model placed alongside for comparison; unlike δεῖγμα, this term emphasizes the instructional rather than warning aspect of examples. See G3900
- ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma) [hoo-POH-dayg-mah] – A pattern or example to be imitated; while δεῖγμα is often negative, ὑπόδειγμα frequently refers to positive examples to follow. See G5262
- τύπος (typos) [TIH-pos] – A pattern, model or type; broader than δεῖγμα, referring to persons, events or institutions that prefigure something greater. See G5179
- δειγματίζω (deigmatizō) [dayg-mah-TID-zoh] – The verbal form meaning “to make a public example or spectacle of”; intensifies the exposure implied in δεῖγμα. See G1165
- παραδειγματίζω (paradeigmatizō) [pah-rah-dayg-mah-TID-zoh] – To make a public example by placing alongside others; combines the exposure of δεῖγμα with the comparative aspect of παρά. See G3856
Did you Know?
- Did you know that archaeological excavations near the Dead Sea have revealed evidence of ancient settlements destroyed by fire? While scholars debate the exact location of Sodom and Gomorrah, several sites show layers of ash and burned debris dating to the appropriate time period. These physical remains may have contributed to the ancient understanding of δεῖγμα as something visible and tangible that continues to instruct long after the event itself.
- Did you know that in modern Greek, the word δεῖγμα is still used today but primarily in scientific and commercial contexts? It refers to a statistical sample or specimen taken for testing. This semantic shift from a “warning example” to a “representative sample” reflects how language evolves while maintaining connections to its roots. Even in this modern usage, the core concept of something that represents or demonstrates remains intact.
- Did you know that ancient Jewish tradition held that the smoke from the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah would continue to rise until the end of the world? This belief, recorded in various rabbinic writings, reinforced the understanding of these cities as a perpetual δεῖγμα—an eternal example of divine judgment that would never cease to instruct humanity about the consequences of persistent rebellion against God’s righteousness.
Remember This
δεῖγμα reminds us that God’s judgments are never without purpose—they are divine object lessons that reveal His character and invite humanity to choose the path of righteousness rather than experience similar consequences.
