[Greek] παραδειγματίζω (paradeigmatizō), [Latin] traducere: to set forth as an example, to put something to shame, to make a public example, to disgrace publicly, to hold up to contempt, to expose to infamy; Mt.1:19, Heb.6:6
The Dream of St. Joseph: painting by Anton Raphael Mengs (1774). The angel tells Joseph that it is through the Holy Spirit that Mary is with child.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to make an example (spectacle) of, to make a show of, and to show by example. Polybius’ Histories 2.60.7 states “For such an act of treason what he deserved was not to be racked under cover of night and then put to death, he ought to have been taken from city to city in the Peloponnese and to have ended his life only after exemplary torture in each of them.” The Roman senate welcomed the Rhodian ambassador to negotiate a peace. However, the senate seized the opportunity to make an example of the Rhodians. The senate thought that Rhodes had no desire to end the ward, but to rescue and save Perseus to the best of their ability.”
Old Testament: This term, used both in an active and passive sense, generally conveys a negative sense. These meanings include to punish, to put to shame, to do wrong, to do violence, and to alienate. Beholding can used both in a positive and negative sense. However, the general negative sense of this term refers to making an example of a person. Gather all the leaders of the people and publicly execute them (Num.25:4). I made you a spectacle I in the sight of kings (Ezek.28:17). Turn their own country against them and make an example of the one who began this against us (Est C:22). They punished and put to a public and shameful death any whom they met of their compatriots who had become defiled (3Macc.7:14). How great is your goodness, Lord, stored up for those who fear you. You display it for those who trust You (Psa.30:20). Be warned, Jerusalem, or I will be estranged from you (Jer.6:8).
New Testament: This term means to disgrace publicly, to hold to contempt, and to put to shame. Joseph was legally entitled to publicly expose (shame) Mary for being with child. The penalty for proven adultery was death by stoning. Being a righteous man, Joseph was willing to divorce Mary quietly. However, Joseph would have a dream that this child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Paul makes reference to believers who have fallen away from the faith. Those who have fallen away (to apostatize) are shaming and deriding the Son of God. They cannot be renewed to repentance. The Latin translation conveys the sense of making a visible example, spectacle, disgrace, or shaming of someone. In their willful malice of apostasy, the false teachers are again re-crucifying and deriding the Son of God.
Scripture:
“And the have fallen away, to bring them to repentance again, since they are re-crucifying the Son of God for themselves and holding Him to contempt.” Heb.6:6
These fallen ones seek to publicly shame Jesus.
“Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” Mt.1:19
This scripture mostly speaks to the character of Joseph in his relationship to Mary. Joseph would soon later understand that this was part of God’s plan for man’s redemption.
Paradigm Shift: This concept, identified by the American physicist and philosopher Thomas Kuhn, is a fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline. This term illustrates an important change that happens in the usual way of thinking or doing something. A paradigm is a pattern (model) which is shown side by side. Plato uses the term paradigm as the model (pattern) that God (as a creator) uses to create the Cosmos.
Conclusion:
Paradigm, paradigm shift, ostentation, ostentatious
In studying this term, I already had the word ‘paradigm’ in mind. I just wasn’t too sure how closely related these terms were. The original meaning of this term means to publicly shame or to have contempt for someone. Not surprisingly the expression ‘making an example’ refers to a paradigm (model). It is interesting to note that Plato alludes to God as an artisan who creates the cosmos. So it can be easily understood in seeing how shaming can be identified with making an example of someone.
In the Old Testament, this term takes on several meanings ranging from murder, violence, making an example, and shaming. The more nuanced meanings include beholding and alienating.
In the New Testament, Joseph was an honorable man who stood by Mary. Joseph perhaps had every legal right to publicly shame (or to make an example) of Mary. This speaks volumes about Joseph’s own character. Joseph becomes a great model for a spouse and also later for a father (and step-father). Christ becomes re-crucified and derided by apostates.
You can pick any decade or year in recent times to illustrate paradigm shifts in technology, science, and medicine. Pick any invention (smartphones, streaming, tablets, internet etc), and you can clearly see how a later technology has put other earlier inventions (VCRs) to shame.
WARNING –USELESS WORDS ALERT–!
Traduce: to speak evil of, to falsely accuse, to slander, to parade in disgrace (The prepositon tra- means across. The verb ducere means to lead.)
Traduction: a bringing over into shame
Emerging or potential paradigm shifts (because of this pandemic):
Epidemiological models: These models frequently change due to inefficient, unclear, or changing data, leading to changing and/or ambiguous actions and recommendations.
Social distancing: How long do we maintain this? Is this handshake a thing of the past?
Constitutional rights of assembly: How much power should fed./state/local govt. officials should have on people’s rights?
Washing hands: We are now more frequently doing this.
Public venues, restaurants, sporting events: When and how can these venues resume?
Businesses/merchants: How many business will return?
Businesses/corporations: Will this lead to further investment (interest) in telecommuting (working from home)? How many companies have been slow to adapt to this technology?
Education: Will this lead to further home school and investment (interest) in on-line studies?
Churches/Religious gatherings: When can churches open up? How can sacraments/ministry be carried out?
Plastic or cloth bags: Plastic bags are now being used to prevent the spread of germs.
And there will be other examples!
Wishing you the very best as we enter into this brave new world! I, like many of you, feel uncertain, fearful, and afraid at this time. (However, we have nothing to be ashamed about that!)