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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is essential for capturing the full depth of meaning and context within scripture. The Greek word εὐσχήμων (euschemōn, Strong’s G2158) is particularly significant as it denotes being respectable, honorable, or of good appearance. Its usage in the New Testament provides insight into the ethical and social standards of early Christian communities. In addition, its use in ancient Greek culture offers a glimpse into how qualities such as decorum and propriety were highly valued.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐσχήμων (euschemōn) [yoo-SKHAY-mon]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu, meaning “well” or “good”) and σχῆμα (schēma, meaning “form,” “figure,” or “appearance”), suggesting a person who is well-formed or honorable in appearance and conduct.
- Part of Speech: Adjective. Third declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Of good appearance, respectable: Refers to someone who presents themselves well, both in physical appearance and moral character.
- Honorable, becoming: Implies being dignified or worthy of respect, often used to describe a person with good standing or reputation.
Similar Words: ἔντιμος (entimos) [EN-tee-mos] also means “honored” or “respected,” but it carries a stronger sense of value or preciousness. In contrast, εὐσχήμων (euschemōn) emphasizes appearance and comportment, focusing on external decorum and respectability.
Further Insights: The adjective εὐσχήμων is part of the third declension in Greek, showing variations in its endings based on gender, number, and case. Below is the full declension table for εὐσχήμων:
| Case | Masculine/Feminine Singular | Neuter Singular | Masculine/Feminine Plural | Neuter Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | εὐσχήμων | εὐσχῆμον | εὐσχήμονες | εὐσχήμονα |
| Genitive | εὐσχήμονος | εὐσχήμονος | εὐσχημόνων | εὐσχημόνων |
| Dative | εὐσχήμονι | εὐσχήμονι | εὐσχήμοσι(ν) | εὐσχήμοσι(ν) |
| Accusative | εὐσχήμονα | εὐσχῆμον | εὐσχήμονας | εὐσχήμονα |
| Vocative | εὐσχήμων | εὐσχῆμον | εὐσχήμονες | εὐσχήμονα |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines εὐσχήμων as “of good form, respectable,” referring to someone who is honorable and worthy of respect, often in the context of their public or social appearance. It is frequently used to describe members of society who are distinguished by their proper conduct.
- Thayer’s: Describes εὐσχήμων as “graceful, becoming, decorous,” highlighting qualities of decency and propriety. Thayer’s notes its use to describe people who carry themselves with dignity and are well-regarded in their community.
- Vine’s: Notes that εὐσχήμων means “becoming, honorable,” emphasizing the quality of a person’s demeanor and their reputation. Vine’s connects the term to the idea of living up to societal and religious expectations of proper behavior.
- LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon indicates that εὐσχήμων was used in classical literature to mean “of good appearance, respectable,” referring to those who conform to the societal norms of respectability and decorum.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines εὐσχήμων as “decorous, seemly,” focusing on its application to individuals who possess a good appearance and conduct that reflects positively in a social context.
Related Scripture References
- Mark 15:43 – “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent [εὐσχήμων] member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | “Nicomachean Ethics” | “The honorable (εὐσχήμων) man is one who acts with grace and integrity.” |
| Plato | “Laws” | “To be considered honorable (εὐσχήμων), one must uphold the virtues of justice.” |
| Xenophon | “Cyropaedia” | “A leader must appear honorable (εὐσχήμων) to command respect from his men.” |
| Septuagint | “Wisdom of Solomon 8:7” | “If a man loves righteousness, her labors are virtues; for she teaches self-control and prudence, justice, and courage; nothing in life is more profitable for men than these (εὐσχήμων).” |
| Septuagint | “Sirach 6:17” | “Those who fear the Lord prepare their hearts and humble themselves in his sight, for their conduct (εὐσχήμων) is righteous.” |
| Septuagint | “1 Maccabees 2:42” | “They gathered an army, and all who fought against injustice were honored (εὐσχήμων) in Israel.” |
Summary of εὐσχήμων (G2158: euschemōn)
The Greek word εὐσχήμων (euschemōn, Strong’s G2158) is an adjective that denotes being respectable, honorable, or of good appearance. It emphasizes the importance of how one presents themselves in both demeanor and character. This word is valuable in biblical studies because it highlights the emphasis placed on maintaining dignity, propriety, and social respectability within early Christian communities. Its use in both biblical and classical literature shows the shared cultural appreciation for honorable conduct and appearance, whether in religious or social settings.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the concept of being “εὐσχήμων” was so important in ancient Greek society that it often influenced political and social leadership? Leaders were expected to not only act honorably but also to appear honorable, reinforcing their authority and moral standing within the community. This cultural expectation underscored the idea that true respectability was reflected in both actions and appearance.
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