### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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