Brief Overview of ἀσχήμων (G809: Aschēmon)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Aschēmon

Root Words: ἀσχήμων (aschēmon) comes from ἀσχημός (aschēmos), meaning “unseemly” or “disgraceful,” with the suffix -ων (-ōn) that often forms adjectives in Greek.

Primary Meanings:

• Unseemly: Refers to something that is improper or not fitting for a particular context.
• Disgraceful: Denotes behavior or appearance that is considered shameful or dishonorable.
• Shameful: Indicates a quality or action that evokes a sense of shame or embarrassment.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσχήμων as “unseemly” or “disgraceful,” describing it as an adjective that conveys the idea of something being out of place or improper.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀσχήμων as “unseemly” or “disgraceful,” focusing on qualities or behaviors that are considered inappropriate or shameful.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀσχήμων translates to “unseemly” or “disgraceful,” and is used to describe things that are not in line with societal expectations of propriety.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀσχήμων as “disgraceful” or “shameful,” emphasizing its use to describe things or behaviors that lack propriety.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀσχήμων as “unseemly” or “disgraceful,” highlighting its application to conduct or appearance that is inappropriate 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;”
• The term is used here to describe parts considered less honorable or unseemly.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: Aristotle discusses propriety and the concept of what is fitting or unseemly in works such as Nicomachean Ethics, although the specific term ἀσχήμων might not always be used.
• Sophocles: In plays like Oedipus Rex, themes of propriety and disgracefulness are explored, reflecting on actions or appearances deemed unseemly.
• Plato: In dialogues such as Republic, Plato addresses ethical behavior and propriety, which aligns with the concept of being unseemly or disgraceful.

4. Summary:

ἀσχήμων (Aschēmon) signifies the quality of being unseemly, disgraceful, or shameful. It describes behavior, appearance, or actions that are considered improper or out of place according to societal norms. The term emphasizes a lack of propriety and evokes a sense of shame or embarrassment. In classic Greek literature, while the exact term may not always appear, the concepts of propriety and disgracefulness are frequently addressed. The term’s use in the Bible highlights its application to describe characteristics or behaviors that are not fitting or honorable.