Original Word: δεῖγμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: deigma
Pronunciation: DIGH-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (digh'-mah)
Definition: Example, Specimen
Meaning: an example, type; a thing shown.

example.

From the base of deiknuo; a specimen (as shown) -- example.

see GREEK deiknuo

Word Origin
from deiknumi
Definition
a thing shown, specimen
NASB Translation
example (1).

STRONGS NT 1164: δεῖγμα

δεῖγμα, δειγματος, τό (δείκνυμι);

a. properly, thing shown.

b. a specimen of anything, example, pattern: πυρός αἰωνίου, set forth as a warning, Jude 1:7. (From Xenophon, Plato, Isocrates down.)

Word Origin: From the Greek verb δείκνυμι (deiknymi), meaning "to show" or "to point out."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for δεῖγμα, the concept of an example or warning is present in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Hebrew word מוֹפֵת (mopheth, Strong's H4159) can convey a similar idea of a sign or wonder, often used as a demonstration of divine power or judgment. Another related term is תּוֹכֵחָה (tokhechah, Strong's H8433), meaning reproof or warning, which aligns with the concept of serving as a cautionary example.

Usage: The term δεῖγμα is used in the New Testament to refer to an example or a demonstration, particularly in the context of serving as a warning to others.

Context: The Greek word δεῖγμα (deigma) appears in the New Testament in Jude 1:7. In this context, it is used to describe the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which serve as an example of divine judgment due to their immorality and subsequent destruction. The passage reads: "In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire" (Berean Standard Bible).

The use of δεῖγμα in this passage underscores the didactic purpose of historical events in Scripture, serving as a moral and spiritual warning to future generations. The destruction of these cities is presented as a tangible demonstration of the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's laws. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of using past events as lessons for instruction and admonition.

In the broader Greco-Roman context, δεῖγμα could refer to any kind of example or model, whether positive or negative. However, in the biblical narrative, it is often associated with negative examples meant to deter similar behavior among believers.

δειγμα δείγμα δεῖγμα deigma deîgmaInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts