Introduction
Understanding the nuances of Greek verbs is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and understanding the culture in which it was written. The Greek verb ἐπαισχύνομαι (epaischynomai), meaning “to be ashamed” or “to feel shame,” plays a significant role in the moral and social teachings of the New Testament. It is often used in contexts related to faith, loyalty, and moral integrity. Studying this word provides deeper insight into the social and ethical standards of the early Christian community and how these standards were expressed in the language of the time.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπαισχύνομαι, transliterated as epaischynomai [eh-pah-EES-khoo-no-my].
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon”) and αἰσχύνω (aischyno, meaning “to disgrace” or “to shame”).
- Part of Speech: Verb; middle voice; deponent (always in a middle or passive form but with an active meaning).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To feel ashamed or embarrassed.
- To be ashamed of oneself or something.
- To experience a sense of dishonor or disgrace.
- To hesitate or refrain due to a sense of shame.
Similar Words: αἰσχύνω (aischyno) [eh-SKHOO-no] means “to shame” or “to dishonor” and is often used in a more direct or active sense, implying causing shame to another. ἐλεγχώ (elenchō) [eh-LENG-kho] means “to reprove” or “to convict,” often used in contexts where one is exposed or convicted of wrongdoing, leading to potential shame.
Further Insights: ἐπαισχύνομαι is a deponent verb, meaning it appears in the middle or passive forms but is translated with an active meaning. It is primarily used in the present and aorist tenses in the New Testament. Below is a simplified declension chart showing the present and aorist forms:
| Tense/Voice | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Present Middle | ἐπαισχύνομαι (epaischynomai) | ἐπαισχυνόμεθα (epaischynometha) |
| Aorist Middle | ἐπαισχυνόμην (epaischynomēn) | ἐπαισχυνόμεθα (epaischynometha) |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek to learn more about Greek grammar, including verb conjugations.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The lexicon defines ἐπαισχύνομαι as “to experience a painful feeling or sense of loss of status because of some particular event or activity,” often translated as “to be ashamed.” It emphasizes contexts where social or moral failure leads to this feeling.
Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐπαισχύνομαι as “to be ashamed” or “to be ashamed of something,” highlighting its use in situations where one is unwilling to speak or act due to potential embarrassment or shame.
Vines: In Vines Expository Dictionary, ἐπαισχύνομαι is discussed in terms of its moral implications, emphasizing its use in passages where believers are cautioned against being ashamed of their faith or the Gospel.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon covers ἐπαισχύνομαι as “to feel shame” or “to be ashamed,” with examples from classical Greek literature where the term is used in both personal and public contexts of shame or disgrace.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies ἐπαισχύνομαι as a verb meaning “to be ashamed,” derived from the combination of “upon” and “shame,” commonly used in the New Testament in the context of faith and confession.
Related Scripture References
- Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed (ἐπαισχύνομαι) of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
- 2 Timothy 1:8: “Be not thou therefore ashamed (ἐπαισχύνομαι) of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.”
- 1 Peter 4:16: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed (ἐπαισχύνομαι); but let him glorify God on this behalf.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word in Parentheses |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “One should not be ashamed (ἐπαισχύνομαι) of pursuing what is noble.” |
| Plato | Apology | “I am not ashamed (ἐπαισχύνομαι) to admit my ignorance.” |
| Euripides | Medea | “She was ashamed (ἐπαισχύνομαι) to show her face in the city.” |
| Septuagint Example | Psalms | “Let me not be ashamed (ἐπαισχύνομαι), O Lord, for I have called upon thee.” |
| Septuagint Example | Isaiah | “They shall be ashamed (ἐπαισχύνομαι) who trust in idols.” |
| Septuagint Example | Jeremiah | “They were not at all ashamed (ἐπαισχύνομαι), neither could they blush.” |
Summary of ἐπαισχύνομαι (G1870: Epaischynomai)
The verb ἐπαισχύνομαι (epaischynomai) is pivotal in understanding the concept of shame in both personal and communal contexts within the New Testament and classical Greek literature. It carries significant weight in passages that deal with faith, moral integrity, and the courage to stand firm despite societal pressures. By exploring its usage across various texts, we gain a more profound comprehension of how early Christians were encouraged to overcome shame and maintain their testimony boldly.
Did You Know?
Did you know that in the ancient world, shame was not just a personal feeling but often a public experience? To “be ashamed” or ἐπαισχύνομαι often carried the idea of losing honor or standing in a community, making the act of being unashamed of one’s faith in the New Testament a bold declaration of loyalty and courage.
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