θεᾱτρ-ίζω G2301
To be made a spectacle, to be publicly exposed to ridicule; to be put on display for shame or entertainment.
This verb means to be made into a theatrical spectacle or public show, typically in a shameful or humiliating way. The passive form emphasizes being put on display by others rather than choosing exposure. Hebrews uses it to describe believers who endured public humiliation and persecution for their faith. The theatrical imagery suggests being turned into entertainment or an object lesson for crowds. Classical usage included actual stage performances, but the biblical context emphasizes involuntary, shameful public exposure rather than willing performance.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Hebrews 10:33 describes believers who became spectacles through public abuse and affliction, endured alongside others suffering similar persecution. The passive participle emphasizes they were made into shows against their will. The theatrical metaphor captures the public, shameful nature of their suffering—exposed to ridicule and abuse like actors on a stage. The Spanish 'siendo-espectáculo' and German 'zur-Schau-stellen' preserve this sense of being put on display. The context commends enduring such shame for Christ's sake, recalling Jesus's own public humiliation. 1×
AR["مُتَفَرَّجِينَ"]·ben["প্রদর্শিত-হয়ে"]·DE["zur-Schau-stellen"]·EN["being-made-spectacle"]·FR["zur-Schau-stellen"]·heb["מֻצָּגִים"]·HI["तमाशा-बने-हुए;"]·ID["dipertontonkan;"]·IT["theatrizomenoi"]·jav["dipuntingal"]·KO["구경거리가-됨이고"]·PT["sendo-feitos-espetáculo"]·RU["выставляемые-напоказ"]·ES["siendo-espectáculo"]·SW["mkifanywa-tamasha"]·TR["seyirlik-yapılarak"]·urd["تماشا-بنائے-گئے"]
Related Senses
G2309 1. want, desire (166×)G0025 1. to love actively (133×)H0157 1. love (verb, active Qal) (129×)H8055 1. Qal: rejoice, be glad (123×)H7453 1. neighbor, fellow man (120×)G0026 1. of love (115×)H1058 1. Qal: to weep, cry (112×)H0954 1. to be ashamed, feel shame (Qal) (95×)H8057 1. joy, gladness, delight (90×)H2781 1. disgrace, shame, dishonor (68×)G2307 1. will, desire, purpose (63×)G5463 1. rejoice, be glad (63×)G0027 1. beloved (61×)H8130 1. Qal: to hate, detest (60×)G5479 1. (59×)G1680 1. (53×)H8130 2. Qal ptcp: hater, enemy (53×)H0014 1. be willing, want (51×)H0157 2. lover, friend (Qal participle substantive) (51×)H1945 1. woe (50×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
θεᾱτρ-ίζω, to be or play on the stage, Refs __II passive, to be made a show of, held up to shame, NT