Deigmatízō (pronounced dayg-mah-TID-zo, δειγματίζω) is a Greek verb found under Strong’s Concordance number G1165. The word Deigmatízō is derived from the noun δεῖγμα (deígma), meaning “example” or “specimen,” and the verb δεικνύω (deiknyō), meaning “to show” or “to point out.” Deigmatízō literally means “to make an example of” or “to expose to public shame.” The verb carries the idea of publicly displaying something or someone, often in a negative or humiliating manner, to serve as a warning or to bring disgrace.

In its primary usage, Deigmatízō refers to the act of exposing someone to public shame or making an example out of them. This term is often used in contexts where an individual’s actions are being publicly condemned, or where someone is being made an example for others to avoid similar behavior. The word implies a deliberate act of exposing wrongdoing or disgrace, with the intent of publicizing it as a cautionary example.

Scripture References

1. Matthew 1:19: “And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame (δειγματίσαι, deigmatísai), resolved to divorce her quietly.” In this verse, Deigmatízō is used to describe Joseph’s consideration of publicly exposing Mary to shame, but instead, he chooses to act with compassion.
2. Colossians 2:15: “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame (δειγματίσας, deigmatísas) by triumphing over them in him.” Here, Deigmatízō is used metaphorically to describe Christ’s victory over spiritual powers, publicly displaying their defeat.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Deigmatízō is defined as “to make an example of” or “to expose to disgrace.” BDAG emphasizes that the term is often associated with public exposure, particularly in the context of bringing someone’s wrongdoing or failure to light as a cautionary example for others. The lexicon highlights the use of Deigmatízō in both literal and metaphorical senses, where the act of exposing or shaming is meant to serve a broader purpose, such as instructing or warning others.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Deigmatízō as “to expose to public disgrace” or “to make a public example of.” Thayer’s points out that the verb is used in contexts where the exposure of an individual’s actions is intended to bring about public condemnation or shame. The lexicon notes that in the New Testament, Deigmatízō can be used to describe both literal public shaming and metaphorical exposure of spiritual defeat or wrongdoing.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for Deigmatízō, noting its use in classical Greek literature to describe the act of publicly displaying or exposing someone or something, often with the intent of shaming or making an example. LSJ emphasizes that Deigmatízō was commonly used in legal and social contexts in ancient Greece, where public exposure was a method of punishment or deterrence.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Deigmatízō as “to make a show of” or “to expose to public shame,” highlighting its role in bringing someone’s actions to light in a public and often humiliating manner. The concordance notes that Deigmatízō is used in the New Testament to describe acts of public exposure, whether of personal actions or broader spiritual realities.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Deigmatízō appears in various classical Greek texts, often in contexts related to public exposure or making an example of someone.

1. Herodotus in “The Histories” uses Deigmatízō to describe the act of publicly displaying the consequences of wrongdoing as a warning to others. This usage emphasizes the deterrent effect of public exposure.
2. Plato in his works, such as “The Republic,” uses Deigmatízō to discuss the concept of public justice, where individuals are exposed or made examples of to uphold social order and moral standards.
3. Sophocles in his tragedies often employs Deigmatízō in the context of characters who are publicly shamed or exposed for their actions, highlighting the social and personal consequences of their behavior.

Summary

Deigmatízō (pronounced dayg-mah-TID-zo, δειγματίζω) is a Greek verb meaning “to make an example of” or “to expose to public shame.” Derived from δεῖγμα (deígma), meaning “example,” and δεικνύω (deiknyō), meaning “to show,” the term refers to the act of publicly exposing someone or something, often with the intent of bringing about public disgrace or making a cautionary example. In the New Testament, Deigmatízō is used in contexts where public exposure serves a moral or spiritual purpose, such as in the cases of Joseph considering whether to expose Mary (Matthew 1:19) or Christ’s triumph over spiritual powers (Colossians 2:15). Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the role of Deigmatízō in both literal and metaphorical senses, highlighting its importance in public and social justice contexts in classical Greek literature. The word Deigmatízō underscores the power of public exposure and the social and moral implications of making an example of someone or something.