Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for accurately interpreting the New Testament and grasping the cultural and historical context in which these texts were written. The word ἔνδειγμα (éndeigma) is particularly significant as it encapsulates the concept of a “sign,” “proof,” or “demonstration.” This word is often used in contexts where the manifestation of a particular truth or reality is being highlighted, making it a key term in passages dealing with evidence, validation, and revelation. Studying ἔνδειγμα helps us understand how early Christian writers conveyed the ideas of divine evidence and the visible signs of spiritual truths in the world.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἔνδειγμα (éndeigma) [EN-dayg-mah]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb ἐνδείκνυμι (endeíknumi), meaning “to show,” “to indicate,” or “to demonstrate.” This verb is a combination of the preposition ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and δείκνυμι (deíknumi), meaning “to show” or “to point out.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter, third declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Proof: ἔνδειγμα primarily refers to something that serves as evidence or proof of a certain reality. It is used in contexts where validation or demonstration of truth is required.
• Sign: The word can also mean a “sign” or “indicator,” pointing towards a specific truth or outcome, often used in the sense of divine or spiritual signs.

Similar Words:

• σημεῖον (sēmeîon) [say-MY-on]: Often translated as “sign” or “miracle,” σημεῖον refers to a miraculous sign or an event that serves as evidence of divine intervention. While ἔνδειγμα can refer to a proof or sign, σημεῖον is more specifically associated with miraculous occurrences.
• τεκμήριον (tekmḗrion) [tek-MAY-ree-on]: This word also means “proof” or “evidence,” but it is more technical and legal in connotation, often used in the context of formal proofs or arguments.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἔνδειγμα is a neuter noun that follows the third declension pattern in Greek. Its forms change depending on case and number, making it versatile in different grammatical constructions.
• Linguistic Features: The use of ἔνδειγμα in the New Testament often underscores the importance of visible evidence in affirming spiritual truths. It is a word that bridges the gap between abstract concepts and their tangible manifestations.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἔνδειγμα as “proof” or “evidence,” noting its usage in legal and rhetorical contexts where demonstration of truth is required. It highlights the word’s role in conveying the idea of something that serves as a visible or tangible confirmation of an underlying reality.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἔνδειγμα as an indicator or proof, particularly in contexts where a visible sign is necessary to validate a claim. It emphasizes the word’s application in demonstrating the reality of spiritual truths through observable phenomena.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces the use of ἔνδειγμα in classical Greek literature, noting its application in both legal contexts (as evidence in a court of law) and philosophical discussions (as a demonstration of a logical truth).

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary focuses on the theological implications of ἔνδειγμα, especially in its use to denote proofs of divine action or the evidence of God’s work in the world. It is often associated with the visible outcomes of faith.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s defines ἔνδειγμα simply as “a proof” or “evidence,” pointing out its role in confirming truth and providing validation, whether in legal, rhetorical, or spiritual contexts.

Scripture References

• 2 Thessalonians 1:5: “This is evidence (ἔνδειγμα) of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔνδειγμα (G1730: éndeigma)

The Greek word ἔνδειγμα (éndeigma) is a noun meaning “proof,” “evidence,” or “sign.” It plays a crucial role in the New Testament, particularly in passages where the visible demonstration of spiritual truths or divine judgment is emphasized. This term bridges the gap between abstract spiritual realities and their tangible manifestations in the world, offering believers a way to understand and trust in the workings of God. By studying ἔνδειγμα, we gain insight into how the early Christian community perceived and communicated the evidence of their faith.

Did You Know?

The word ἔνδειγμα was not only used in religious contexts but also in classical Greek rhetoric and philosophy. In these settings, it was employed to describe the kind of proof or evidence needed to persuade an audience or to demonstrate the validity of a philosophical argument, highlighting the importance of visible and tangible evidence in ancient Greek thought.