Brief Overview of ἀσχημοσύνη (G808: Aschēmosýnē)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Aschēmosýnē

Root Words: The term ἀσχημοσύνη is derived from ἀσχημόνως (aschēmonōs), meaning “unseemly” or “disgraceful,” combined with the suffix -σύνη (-sýnē), which forms nouns indicating a state or quality. The word thus conveys the state of being unseemly.

Primary Meanings:

• Disgracefulness: Refers to the quality or state of being disgraceful or unseemly.
• Shamefulness: Denotes actions or behavior that are considered shameful or improper.
• Impropriety: The term encompasses a general sense of impropriety or lack of decorum.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσχημοσύνη as “disgracefulness” or “shamefulness,” highlighting its application to behavior or conduct that is deemed disgraceful or improper by societal standards.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀσχημοσύνη as “disgracefulness” or “shamefulness,” focusing on the quality of being unseemly or improper.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that ἀσχημοσύνη refers to “disgracefulness” or “shamefulness,” emphasizing actions or behavior that lack propriety.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀσχημοσύνη as “disgracefulness,” detailing its use to describe qualities or actions that are considered unseemly or lacking in proper decorum.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀσχημοσύνη as “disgracefulness,” focusing on the quality of being unseemly or shameful.

Bible Verses:

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• 1 Corinthians 12:23 (KJV): “And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness;”
• Here, the term is used to describe parts considered less honorable or unseemly.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In works such as Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses concepts of propriety and decorum, where the idea of disgracefulness or unseemliness is explored, though the specific term may not be used.
• Sophocles: In plays like Antigone, themes of propriety and disgracefulness are central, reflecting on actions that are deemed improper or shameful.
• Plato: In dialogues such as Republic, Plato addresses ethical behavior and the concept of what is considered shameful or disgraceful, aligning with the idea of ἀσχημοσύνη.

4. Summary:

ἀσχημοσύνη (Aschēmosýnē) denotes the quality of being disgraceful, shameful, or unseemly. It describes actions or behaviors that lack proper decorum and are considered improper by societal standards. The term reflects a state of being that is contrary to accepted norms of propriety. In classic Greek literature, while the term might not always appear, the concepts of disgracefulness and improper conduct are frequently discussed. The term is used in the Bible to describe characteristics or actions that are deemed unseemly, reinforcing its application to moral and social behavior.