The Greek word deigmatízō, represented by G1165, means to exhibit or make a shew. This term is extremely rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use, however, is in a passage of profound theological importance, describing a public display of defeated powers.
The sole biblical context for G1165 is in Colossians, where it describes the result of Christ's victory. After having "spoiled" spiritual principalities and powers, He "made a shew of them openly" Colossians 2:15. This act is presented as part of a victory procession, where defeated enemies are publicly exhibited to demonstrate the completeness of the triumph over them. The verse frames this action as the culmination of disarming these hostile authorities.
Several related Greek words found in its only context illuminate the meaning of G1165:
- G554 apekdýomai: to divest wholly oneself, or (for oneself) despoil. This action of spoiling or disarming the enemy powers precedes their public exhibition Colossians 2:15.
- G746 archḗ: a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank). This refers to the "principalities" that were made a public shew of, identifying them as high-ranking spiritual authorities Colossians 2:15.
- G1849 exousía: mastery or delegated influence. Along with principalities, these "powers" are the subjects of the public display, signifying the defeat of spiritual authorities Colossians 2:15.
- G3954 parrhēsía: all out-spokenness, frankness, bluntness, publicity. This word modifies G1165, emphasizing that the "shew" was made "openly," with confidence and without concealment Colossians 2:15.
- G2358 thriambeúō: to make an acclamatory procession, to conquer or give victory. This describes the victorious context in which the public exhibition occurs, framing it as a "triumph" Colossians 2:15.
The theological weight of G1165 is concentrated in its single appearance.
- Public Display of Victory: The use of G1165 establishes that Christ's victory over hostile spiritual forces was not a secret event but a public declaration. He made an open "shew" of the defeated principalities G746 and powers G1849.
- Humiliation of Defeated Enemies: To "make a shew" of a conquered enemy in this context implies their utter humiliation. Having been "spoiled" G554, they are paraded openly G3954 as a sign of their complete subjugation.
- Foundation of Spiritual Authority: This act provides a basis for understanding Christ's supreme authority. By triumphing over G2358 and publicly exhibiting these powers, He demonstrated His supremacy over all other spiritual rulers and authorities Colossians 2:15.
In summary, while G1165 is used only once, its meaning is crucial. It moves beyond a simple definition of "to exhibit" to portray the climax of a divine victory. In Colossians 2:15, the word vividly paints a picture of Christ's absolute triumph over all hostile spiritual powers, showing them to be disarmed, defeated, and publicly displayed as evidence of His supreme and uncontested authority.
TRV