Brief Overview of Δεῖγμα (G1164: Deígma)

Deígma (pronounced DAYG-mah, δεῖγμα) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1164. The word Deígma is derived from the root verb δεικνύω (deiknyō), which means “to show” or “to point out.” The noun Deígma specifically refers to a “specimen,” “example,” or “pattern.” It can indicate something that is shown as a sample or a demonstration, often to serve as a model or a warning.

In its primary usage, Deígma refers to something that is set forth as an example, typically with the purpose of teaching, warning, or illustrating a point. This term is used in various contexts to denote an instance or a case that is representative of a larger concept or principle. In biblical contexts, Deígma is often employed to highlight an example, especially one that serves as a cautionary tale or a moral lesson.

Scripture References

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Deígma is used in the following verse:

1. Jude 1:7: “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example (δεῖγμα, deígma) by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” In this verse, Deígma is used to describe the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of divine judgment and a warning against immorality.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Deígma is defined as “example” or “specimen,” with a focus on its use in contexts where something is shown to illustrate a point or to serve as a warning. BDAG emphasizes that Deígma often carries a didactic purpose, being used to demonstrate what to avoid or to exemplify a particular behavior. The lexicon notes that in the New Testament, Deígma is primarily associated with moral and ethical teachings, where examples from history are used to guide behavior.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Deígma as “a thing shown” or “an example,” particularly one that serves as a pattern or a warning. Thayer’s points out that Deígma is used in a context where the example given is meant to instruct or warn others. The lexicon highlights that in the biblical usage, Deígma often refers to negative examples, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, to serve as a warning against sin and disobedience.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for Deígma, noting its use in classical Greek to describe a “specimen” or “example” that is shown to demonstrate a point. LSJ emphasizes that Deígma was commonly used in both scientific and rhetorical contexts in ancient Greece, where examples or samples were presented to illustrate a concept or support an argument. The term was often employed to make abstract ideas more concrete by providing a tangible instance or model.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Deígma as “example” or “specimen,” focusing on its role in illustrating a point or serving as a warning. The concordance notes that Deígma is used in the New Testament in a moral or ethical context, where historical examples are presented to guide the behavior of believers.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Deígma appears in various classical Greek texts, often in contexts related to teaching, demonstration, or illustration.

1. Aristotle in his “Rhetoric” uses Deígma to describe examples that are used to support an argument or to clarify a point. In this context, Deígma functions as a rhetorical tool to make a case more persuasive by providing concrete evidence or illustration.
2. Herodotus in “The Histories” employs Deígma to refer to historical examples that serve as lessons or warnings for future generations. He often uses Deígma to highlight the consequences of particular actions, especially in the context of hubris or moral failings.
3. Plato in his dialogues, such as “The Republic,” uses Deígma to refer to examples or models that illustrate philosophical concepts. Deígma in Plato’s works often serves as a means to make abstract ideas more accessible by grounding them in tangible examples.

Summary

Deígma (pronounced DAYG-mah, δεῖγμα) is a Greek noun meaning “example,” “specimen,” or “pattern.” Derived from the verb δεικνύω (deiknyō), meaning “to show,” Deígma is used to refer to something that is set forth as an example, often with the purpose of teaching, warning, or illustrating a point. In the New Testament, Deígma is employed to highlight examples, particularly those that serve as warnings against sin or disobedience, as seen in Jude 1:7 with the example of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the role of Deígma in both rhetorical and moral contexts, where it serves as a tool to make abstract ideas more concrete and to guide behavior through illustrative examples. In classical Greek literature, Deígma is frequently used in teaching, demonstration, and argumentation, reflecting its importance in both intellectual and practical discourse. The word Deígma underscores the power of examples in shaping understanding and behavior, particularly in contexts where moral or ethical lessons are being conveyed.