ἔνδειγμα

a plain token, sign, proof

Definition

ἔνδειγμα refers to a clear, visible token or proof that demonstrates something to be true. It signifies evidence that is openly displayed, serving as a convincing sign of a particular reality or condition. In its sole New Testament occurrence in 2 Thessalonians 1:5, it specifically denotes the proof or evidence of God's righteous judgment, manifested through the believers' endurance amidst persecution. The word carries the sense of a public demonstration that validates an underlying spiritual truth.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Thessalonians 1:5. It is employed in a judicial context, describing the believers' steadfastness during affliction as an 'ἔνδειγμα'—a plain token or proof—of God's righteous judgment. This usage highlights how the observable perseverance of the Christian community serves as public evidence pointing to a divine verdict, affirming their worthiness of God's kingdom and the coming judgment on their persecutors.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, meaning 'in' or 'among') combined with the root δεικ- (deik-, from δείκνυμι, deiknymi, meaning 'to show' or 'to point out'). Literally, it means 'that which is shown in' or 'a thing exhibited.' It is related to the noun δεῖγμα (deigma, G1732), meaning 'sample' or 'specimen,' but ἔνδειγμα emphasizes the proof or token that is displayed as evidence within a situation.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects human experience with divine justice. In 2 Thessalonians 1:5, the believers' suffering and endurance are not meaningless but are presented as a visible proof (ἔνδειγμα) of God's righteous judgment. This enriches Bible reading by showing how God uses the church's faithful response to persecution as a public demonstration that validates the reality of His coming kingdom and final judgment, encouraging believers that their steadfastness has profound evidential value in God's redemptive narrative.

In the Greco-Roman world, legal and rhetorical contexts placed high value on clear, demonstrative proofs to establish truth or justify a verdict. The term ἔνδειγμα would resonate with this cultural emphasis on public evidence. For Paul's original audience, the idea that their perseverance was a 'token' or 'proof' likely reinforced the certainty and visibility of God's justice in a society where their suffering might have been seen as a sign of divine abandonment or weakness.

δεῖγμα (deigma, G1732) — a sample or specimen, often more general; τεκμήριον (tekmerion, G5039) — a sure sign or conclusive proof, used in logical argument; σημεῖον (semeion, G4592) — a sign, miracle, or distinguishing mark, broader in scope.

Word Details

Scripture References