Paradeigma (Greek: παραδειγμα) is a Greek term that refers to a pattern, example or sample. In rhetoric, a paradeigma is used to compare the situation of the audience to a similar past event, like a parable. It offers counsel on how the audience should act. In the Greek tradition many paradeigmas are mythological examples, often in reference to a popular legend or well-known character in a similar position to the audience.
The term paradigm, a distinct concept or pattern, is derived from the Greek term paradeigma.
Paradeigma in literature
There are no prominent or ancient rhetoricians that explicitly discussed the use of paradeigmas, but it can be seen clearly in various examples of literature.
Homer's The Iliad – After battle, Achilles is trying to get his men to eat so they have the strength to fight again but they have lost so many men that they would rather mourn. He brings up Niobe, a woman that had lost twelve children but still found the strength to eat. He is trying to counsel his men to do what he wants by using Niobe as a paradeigma, an example to counsel their behavior.
Jesus' parables in the New Testament of the Bible – In Luke 7:41-47 Jesus uses the following paradeigma to explain how a man must be very loving to be forgiven.
41 "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him42 back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."43 "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this44 woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give45 me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.46 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much.47 But he who has been forgiven little, loves little."