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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for uncovering deeper meanings and context within scripture. The Greek word εὐσχημοσύνη (euschemosynē, Strong’s G2157) is particularly significant as it encompasses concepts of decorum, propriety, and honorable behavior. Its usage in the New Testament and ancient Greek literature helps us understand the cultural and ethical expectations of early Christians and the broader Greco-Roman world, shedding light on the values of orderly conduct and virtue.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐσχημοσύνη (euschemosynē) [yoo-SKHAY-mo-soo-nay]
- Etymology: Derived from εὐσχημών (euschēmōn, meaning “graceful,” “proper,” or “becoming”) and the suffix -σύνη (-synē), which indicates a state or quality, suggesting the condition or quality of propriety or decency.
- Part of Speech: Noun. Feminine. First declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Decorum, propriety: Refers to behavior that aligns with social or moral standards of decency and appropriateness.
- Honorable behavior: Implies conduct that is fitting, respectful, and aligned with virtues of honor and good manners.
Similar Words: σεμνότης (semnotēs) [sem-NO-tays] also means “gravity” or “dignity,” but it emphasizes seriousness and respectability. In contrast, εὐσχημοσύνη (euschemosynē) focuses on orderly and proper conduct that is socially appropriate and honorable.
Further Insights: The noun εὐσχημοσύνη is part of the first declension in Greek, which typically features feminine nouns ending in -η. Below is the full declension table for εὐσχημοσύνη:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | εὐσχημοσύνη | εὐσχημοσύναι |
| Genitive | εὐσχημοσύνης | εὐσχημοσυνῶν |
| Dative | εὐσχημοσύνῃ | εὐσχημοσύναις |
| Accusative | εὐσχημοσύνην | εὐσχημοσύνας |
| Vocative | εὐσχημοσύνη | εὐσχημοσύναι |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes εὐσχημοσύνη as “propriety, decorum,” focusing on appropriate behavior in social and communal settings. It is often linked to how Christians should conduct themselves honorably.
- Thayer’s: Defines εὐσχημοσύνη as “decorum, seemliness,” suggesting an emphasis on proper, respectable behavior according to social and moral expectations. Thayer’s highlights its relevance in maintaining order within the Christian community.
- Vine’s: Notes that εὐσχημοσύνη means “honorable behavior” and is associated with the virtues of orderly conduct and propriety, particularly in the context of public worship and social gatherings.
- LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon shows that εὐσχημοσύνη was used in classical literature to mean “good order” or “comeliness,” often referring to proper behavior that aligns with societal norms of decency.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines εὐσχημοσύνη simply as “decorum” or “propriety,” emphasizing the idea of behaving in a manner that is fitting and appropriate according to both social and religious standards.
Related Scripture References
- 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (Though the Greek word used here is the related εὐσχημόνως, it reflects the same underlying concept of propriety which εὐσχημοσύνη embodies.)
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | “The Republic” | “Justice is to act with decorum (εὐσχημοσύνη) towards others in society.” |
| Aristotle | “Politics” | “A well-ordered city is marked by the decorum (εὐσχημοσύνη) of its citizens.” |
| Xenophon | “Memorabilia” | “He taught his followers to live with decorum (εὐσχημοσύνη) and respect.” |
| Septuagint | “Wisdom of Solomon 8:18” | “Knowing that it is a great delight to live with decorum (εὐσχημοσύνη).” |
| Septuagint | “Sirach 26:14” | “A wife’s grace delights her husband, and her discretion (εὐσχημοσύνη) will fatten his bones.” |
| Septuagint | “3 Maccabees 4:7” | “They petitioned God, to act with decorum (εὐσχημοσύνη) and preserve their dignity.” |
Summary of εὐσχημοσύνη (G2157: euschemosynē)
The Greek word εὐσχημοσύνη (euschemosynē, Strong’s G2157) is a noun that conveys the concepts of decorum, propriety, and honorable behavior. It emphasizes the importance of conduct that aligns with social and moral expectations, particularly in the context of Christian ethics and communal life. This term is valuable in biblical studies because it provides insights into the cultural and ethical standards that guided the early Christian communities. Its use in both biblical and classical literature reveals the shared cultural value placed on orderly, decent, and honorable behavior in various settings, from personal conduct to public worship.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the concept of εὐσχημοσύνη was highly esteemed in both ancient Greek philosophy and early Christian ethics? The idea of living with decorum and propriety was seen not only as a matter of personal virtue but also as essential for maintaining social harmony and order within the community. This cultural emphasis on honorable conduct influenced both secular and religious thought throughout the ancient world.
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