Pronunciation Guide: eye-SKHROS (αἰ-σχρός)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G150: αἰσχρός (aischros) describes that which is shameful, disgraceful, or base from both a moral and social perspective. It denotes behavior or speech that violates accepted standards of decency and propriety. The term carries strong connotations of moral repugnance and social disapproval that brings dishonor not only to the individual but also to the community of believers.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Word: From αἶσχος (aischos), meaning shame or disgrace
• Primary Usage: Ethical and moral teaching contexts
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Literature Genre: Primarily found in epistolary material and moral instruction

αἰσχρός Morphology:

• αἰσχρός (nominative singular masculine) – shameful, disgraceful
• αἰσχρά (nominative singular feminine) – shameful, disgraceful
• αἰσχρόν (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – shameful thing
• αἰσχροί (nominative plural masculine) – shameful ones
• αἰσχρῶν (genitive plural) – of shameful things

Origin & History

The term αἰσχρός has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe behavior that violated social norms and brought shame upon individuals or communities. In Plato’s “Republic,” the word appears in discussions of moral education and character formation, particularly when addressing actions that would bring dishonor to the ideal state.

Aristotle employed αἰσχρός in his “Nicomachean Ethics” to describe actions that fell short of virtue, particularly in discussions of temperance and proper conduct. The term maintained its strong moral implications throughout the Hellenistic period, consistently carrying the weight of social disapproval and moral censure.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which brings shame or disgrace through violation of moral or social standards
• Behavior that is morally repugnant and socially unacceptable
• Speech or conduct that dishonors both the individual and the community

αἰσχρός Translation Options:

• Shameful – Best captures both the moral and social dimensions of the term
• Disgraceful – Emphasizes the social consequences of inappropriate behavior
• Base – Highlights the moral deficiency aspect
• Indecent – Particularly appropriate when referring to improper speech or conduct
• Dishonorable – Emphasizes the term’s connection to honor-shame cultural dynamics

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, αἰσχρός appears primarily in contexts addressing proper Christian conduct and speech. Its first appearance in 1 Corinthians 11:6 connects to proper worship practices and gender-appropriate behavior in the early church. The term particularly emphasizes behaviors that dishonor both the individual believer and the broader Christian community.

Paul employs this term strategically to address specific ethical concerns in his letters, often contrasting αἰσχρός behavior with conduct that befits followers of the Messiah. The word carries particular weight in passages addressing church order and personal conduct.

• “For it is shameful [αἰσχρόν] for a woman to be shorn or shaven.” 1 Corinthians 11:6
• “For it is shameful [αἰσχρόν] even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.” Ephesians 5:12
• “For it is shameful [αἰσχρόν] for women to speak in church.” 1 Corinthians 14:35
• “Not given to filthy lucre” (literally: shameful [αἰσχροῦ] gain) 1 Timothy 3:8
• “Not for shameful [αἰσχρόν] gain” Titus 1:11

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, shame and honor were foundational social values that governed behavior and relationships. The concept of αἰσχρός operated within this honor-shame cultural framework, where maintaining proper social boundaries and avoiding disgrace were paramount concerns. The term carried weight not just as a personal moral evaluation but as a powerful social sanction.

Understanding αἰσχρός requires appreciation of the collective nature of ancient Mediterranean society, where individual actions reflected on family, community, and religious identity. What was considered αἰσχρός often related to violations of gender roles, social hierarchies, and religious proprieties that maintained community order and identity.

Theological Significance

The use of αἰσχρός in Scripture reveals God’s concern for both personal holiness and community witness. It highlights how individual conduct affects corporate testimony and demonstrates that holy living isn’t merely about personal piety but about maintaining the integrity of God’s people as a whole.

This word reinforces the biblical principle that God’s people are called to live distinctively, avoiding behaviors that would bring dishonor to His Name or compromise their witness. The strong language associated with αἰσχρός underscores the seriousness with which Scripture views conduct that undermines Christian testimony and community life.

The theological implications of αἰσχρός point to the transformative nature of salvation, where believers are called to put off shameful conduct and embrace behavior that reflects their new identity in the Messiah. This transformation impacts not just individual morality but the collective witness of the church.

Personal Application

Understanding αἰσχρός challenges believers to examine their conduct not just in terms of personal preference or cultural acceptability, but in light of how it affects the body of believers and their witness to the world. It calls for careful consideration of how our choices either honor or dishonor the Lord and His church.

This word reminds us that our behavior has implications beyond our individual lives, affecting the reputation of the gospel and the effectiveness of our corporate witness. It encourages thoughtful reflection on how our conduct either advances or hinders the kingdom of God.

Related Words

• αἰσχύνη (aischyne) – shame, disgrace, dishonor; emphasizes the feeling or state of shame See G152
• αἰσχύνομαι (aischunomai) – to be ashamed, feel shame; the verbal form expressing the experience of shame See G153
• ἀτιμία (atimia) – dishonor, disgrace; focuses more on the loss of honor or status See G819
• ἐντροπή (entrope) – shame, confusion; emphasizes the turning inward that comes with shame See G1791

Did you Know?

• The concept of αἰσχρός was so powerful in ancient Greek society that it could lead to ostracism or exile from the community, as preserving communal honor was considered essential for social stability.
• In ancient Greek athletic competitions, certain forms of fighting or competitive conduct were labeled as αἰσχρός, leading to disqualification and public shame, showing how the term regulated even sporting behavior.
• The word αἰσχρός appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe disfiguring conditions, revealing how the concept of shame extended beyond moral behavior to physical appearance in ancient culture.

Remember This

αἰσχρός reminds us that our conduct as believers impacts not just our personal relationship with God but the collective witness of His people, calling us to live in a manner worthy of our high calling in the Messiah.