Brief Overview of ἀσχημονέω (G807: Aschēmonéō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Aschēmonéō

Root Words: The verb ἀσχημονέω is derived from ἀσχημόνως (aschēmonōs), which refers to something that is unseemly or disgraceful. The term involves the prefix ἀ- (a-) meaning “not,” combined with σχημα (schēma), meaning “form” or “appearance.”

Primary Meanings:

• To Act Unseemly: The main meaning of ἀσχημονέω is to behave in an unseemly or disgraceful manner, acting contrary to social or moral norms.
• To Be Disgraceful: It also signifies engaging in behavior that is considered shameful or inappropriate.
• To Be Devoid of Decorum: This word describes actions that lack proper form or decorum, often implying a breach of social etiquette or propriety.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσχημονέω as “to act disgracefully” or “to behave unseemly,” emphasizing actions that are out of line with acceptable conduct or decorum. It reflects a lack of propriety or respectability.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀσχημονέω as “to behave in an unseemly manner,” indicating actions that are scandalous or shameful in nature.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that ἀσχημονέω means “to behave unseemly,” highlighting its use in contexts where behavior is considered improper or disgraceful.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀσχημονέω as “to act in a manner that is disgraceful or improper,” focusing on actions that breach standards of decorum.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀσχημονέω as “to act unseemly” or “to be ill-mannered,” underscoring its meaning of behaving in a way that is deemed unworthy or inappropriate.

Bible Verses:

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• 1 Corinthians 7:36 (KJV): “But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.”
• In this verse, the term is used to describe actions considered unseemly or improper.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In works such as Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses concepts related to propriety and decorum, touching on behaviors that would be considered unseemly or disgraceful, reflecting the meaning of ἀσχημονέω.
• Sophocles: In plays like Oedipus Rex, characters often face moral and social dilemmas, where unseemly behavior is a significant theme, though the specific term might not be used.
• Plato: In dialogues such as Gorgias, Plato explores themes of ethics and decorum, addressing behaviors that could be deemed disgraceful or unseemly.

4. Summary:

ἀσχημονέω (Aschēmonéō) primarily means “to act unseemly” or “to behave disgracefully,” describing actions that violate norms of propriety and decorum. The term conveys a lack of proper conduct, often resulting in shame or scandal. In classic Greek literature, while the specific term might not always appear, the concept of behaving in a manner that is contrary to accepted standards is a recurring theme. The term is used in the Bible to describe actions that are considered improper or inappropriate, highlighting its role in discussing moral and social behavior.