Lexical Summary endeigma: Evidence, proof, indication Original Word: ἔνδειγμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance evidence, plain indicationFrom endeiknumi; an indication (concretely) -- manifest token. see GREEK endeiknumi HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1730 éndeigma (a neuter noun) – A plain (undeniable) demonstration or display which is conspicuously shown, i.e. as a token of proof that is fully adequate (persuasive, validating). See 1731 (endeiknymi). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom endeiknumi Definition an indication, a proof NASB Translation plain indication (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1730: ἔνδειγμαἔνδειγμα, ἐνδειγτος, τά (ἐνδείκνυμι, token, evidence, proof (A. V. manifest token): 2 Thessalonians 1:5 (cf. Buttmann, 153 (134)). (Plato, Critias, p. 110 b.; Demosthenes 423, 13.) Topical Lexicon Term and Theological Concept Strong’s Greek 1730, ἔνδειγμα, denotes a manifest token, a public proof that points unmistakably to a reality behind it. In Scripture it functions as a sign that God Himself provides to disclose His righteous verdict in history and eternity. New Testament Context and Usage The sole New Testament occurrence is 2 Thessalonians 1:5: “All this is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment, so that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering” (Berean Standard Bible). Here Paul writes to believers enduring severe persecution. Their steadfast faith, together with God’s sustaining grace amid affliction, stands as an ἔνδειγμα—a divinely furnished exhibit proving two interconnected truths: 1. God’s judgment is righteous; He will ultimately vindicate His people and redress every wrong. Themes of Divine Justice 1. Present Suffering, Future Vindication The word situates persecution within God’s larger economy of justice. Affliction does not call divine fairness into question; rather, it turns into evidence that God is at work refining believers and marking out the ungodly for retribution (compare Romans 2:5-11). Because the sign originates with God, it offers unassailable assurance. Trials prove not abandonment but selection for honor in the age to come (Acts 14:22; Revelation 21:7-8). The same token that comforts saints also foreshadows the “flaming fire” that will punish those who “do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Pastoral and Practical Implications • Perseverance as Proof: Enduring hardship for Christ is never wasted; it becomes heaven’s courtroom exhibit validating genuine faith (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Historical Considerations In the Greco-Roman legal world, an ἔνδειγμα served as publicly presented evidence capable of securing conviction. Paul adapts this forensic concept: the believers’ lives form Exhibit A in God’s cosmic court. By placing legal terminology inside an eschatological frame, Paul assures the persecuted church that the present proceedings are already tilted in their favor and will culminate in a final verdict delivered by the returning Lord. Related Scriptural Parallels While ἔνδειγμα is unique to 2 Thessalonians 1:5, Paul uses the cognate ἔνδειξις (Strong’s 1732) to convey similar ideas: These parallels reinforce the pattern: God supplies His own evidentiary signs, whether in the cross, in believers’ endurance, or in final judgment. Application for Ministry 1. Teaching: Present hardship as part of God’s self-authenticating witness; link local suffering to global, eternal purposes. Forms and Transliterations ενδειγμα ένδειγμα ἔνδειγμα endeigma éndeigmaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |