from παρά and δειγματίζω; to show alongside (the public), i.e. expose to infamy:--make a public example, put to an open shame.
Transliteration:paradeigmatízō
Pronunciation:par-ad-igue-mat-id'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G3856}}` (paradeigmatízō) is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "in the presence of," and the verb δειγματίζω (deigmatízō), which means "to make an example of" or "to expose." The root of δειγματίζω is δεῖγμα (deigma), meaning "a sample," "specimen," or "example."
Synthesizing these components, `{{G3856}}` carries the core meaning of "to make a public example of," "to expose to public shame or infamy," or "to put to open disgrace." The prefix παρά emphasizes the public nature of the exposure – it is an act performed *before* or *alongside* others, for them to witness and learn from, typically in a negative sense. The semantic range thus encompasses the ideas of public humiliation, scandal, and the deliberate act of making someone or something a spectacle of disgrace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G3856}}` appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct yet related contextual nuance.
1. **[[Matthew 1:19]]**: "And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to make her a public example, planned to send her away secretly."
In this passage, Joseph is confronted with Mary's unexpected pregnancy. According to the Mosaic Law, suspected adultery could lead to a public trial and severe punishment, potentially even stoning (cf. [[Deuteronomy 22:20-21]]). Joseph, described as "righteous" (δίκαιος), demonstrates both adherence to the law and profound compassion. His desire "not to make her a public example" (παραδειγματίσαι αὐτὴν) reveals his intent to spare Mary the immense public shame and disgrace that would accompany a formal accusation and divorce. This act of mercy highlights Joseph's character and foreshadows the divine grace that would soon be revealed through the birth of Christ. The use of `{{G3856}}` here underscores the severity of public dishonor in the cultural context of the time.
2. **[[Hebrews 6:6]]**: "and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame."
This is a profoundly weighty theological statement within the warning passage of Hebrews 6. The author describes the dire spiritual state of those who have tasted the blessings of God but then apostatize. To "put Him to open shame" (παραδειγματίζοντας) is to publicly dishonor Christ. This act is paralleled with "crucifying again for themselves the Son of God," suggesting a re-enactment, in a spiritual sense, of the original crucifixion. The crucifixion was the ultimate act of public shame and humiliation for Christ, a spectacle of scorn and rejection. For believers to fall away in such a manner is to align themselves with those who originally rejected and publicly disgraced Jesus, effectively joining in the same act of contempt and repudiation. This highlights the extreme gravity of apostasy, portraying it not merely as a private failing but as a public affront to the person and work of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G3856}}` includes several related terms and concepts:
* **`{{G1166}}` (deigmatízō)**: This is the simpler verb from which `{{G3856}}` is formed, meaning "to make an example of" or "to expose." It is used in [[Colossians 2:15]] where Christ "made a public spectacle" (ἐδειγμάτισεν) of the principalities and powers, triumphing over them on the cross. While `{{G1166}}` can imply public display, `{{G3856}}` with the παρά prefix specifically emphasizes the exposure *to* or *before* others, with the strong connotation of disgrace.
* **`{{G1165}}` (deigma)**: The noun form, meaning "an example" or "a pattern." While `{{G3856}}` is always negative, `{{G1165}}` can be neutral or even positive (e.g., God's judgment as an example in [[Jude 1:7]]).
* **Shame (αἰσχύνη - `{{G152}}`)**: A common concept in the New Testament, often associated with sin, judgment, or humiliation. `{{G3856}}` is a verb that *causes* or *inflicts* such shame publicly.
* **Disgrace (ἀτιμία - `{{G819}}`)**: Lack of honor, dishonor, or disgrace. `{{G3856}}` is the act of bringing about this state publicly.
* **Public Exposure**: The act of revealing something or someone to public view, often with negative consequences. This is central to the meaning of `{{G3856}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3856}}` is profound, touching upon themes of righteousness, mercy, the nature of sin, and the identity of Christ.
In [[Matthew 1:19]], Joseph's refusal to "make her a public example" demonstrates a righteousness that transcends mere legalistic adherence. His compassion reflects a divine attribute, foreshadowing the grace of God that would not expose humanity's sin to its full, deserved public shame, but rather provide a means of redemption through Christ. It underscores that true righteousness is not merely about upholding the law, but about embodying mercy and love, even when it means personal sacrifice or misunderstanding.
In [[Hebrews 6:6]], the term carries immense weight in the context of apostasy. To "put Him to open shame" is not a light matter; it is a profound act of spiritual rebellion. It means to treat Christ as a public spectacle of scorn, just as His enemies did on the cross. This highlights the extreme gravity of rejecting Christ after having experienced His saving power. It implies a deliberate and public repudiation of His sacrifice and person, aligning oneself with those who mocked and crucified Him. This passage serves as a stark warning about the eternal consequences of a willful and final turning away from the faith, emphasizing that such an act is an ultimate dishonor to the Son of God. It underscores the unique and irreplaceable nature of Christ's sacrifice and the seriousness of treating it with contempt.
### Summary
`{{G3856}}` (paradeigmatízō) denotes the act of publicly exposing someone or something to shame, disgrace, or infamy. Its two occurrences in the New Testament offer critical insights. In [[Matthew 1:19]], it illuminates Joseph's compassionate righteousness, as he sought to protect Mary from the severe public humiliation of a legal divorce. This demonstrates a mercy that transcends strict legalism. In [[Hebrews 6:6]], the term is used with profound theological import, describing the dire consequence of apostasy as a spiritual act of "crucifying again" and "putting to open shame" the Son of God. This signifies a deliberate and public repudiation of Christ, aligning oneself with His original tormentors and underscoring the extreme gravity of such a rejection. In both contexts, `{{G3856}}` powerfully conveys the weight and impact of public dishonor, whether avoided through human compassion or tragically inflicted upon the divine Son.
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