Pronunciation Guide: eye-skroh-loh-GEE-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G148: αἰσχρολογία (aischrologia) refers to shameful, filthy, or abusive speech that degrades both speaker and hearer. It encompasses language that is morally offensive, sexually explicit, or intentionally demeaning. This word specifically addresses speech that reveals and promotes moral corruption.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun
• Compound word from αἰσχρός (aischros, “shameful”) and λόγος (logos, “speech”)
• Primary usage in ethical instruction and moral teaching sections
• Rare in classical Greek literature but significant in moral discourse

αἰσχρολογία Morphology:

• αἰσχρολογία (nominative singular) – shameful speech
• αἰσχρολογίας (genitive singular) – of shameful speech
• αἰσχρολογίᾳ (dative singular) – in/with shameful speech

Origin & History

The term αἰσχρολογία emerged from classical Greek moral philosophy, where it was used to describe speech that violated social and ethical norms. Plutarch employed this term in his “Moralia” to discuss the corruption of youth through inappropriate speech. The word gained particular significance in Hellenistic Jewish communities, where it became associated with speech that violated Torah principles of holy living.

The compound nature of the word reveals the Greek cultural understanding that speech reflects character. The combination of αἰσχρός (shameful) with λόγος (speech) creates a term that not only describes the act of inappropriate speech but also implies the speaker’s moral condition.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Morally corrupt or degrading speech
• Verbally abusive or demeaning language
• Speech that promotes moral corruption
• Language that violates sacred or social boundaries

αἰσχρολογία Translation Options:

• “Filthy language” – Emphasizes the morally polluting nature of such speech
• “Abusive speech” – Highlights the harmful impact on others
• “Obscene talk” – Captures the socially inappropriate aspect
• “Corrupt communication” – Reflects the morally degrading nature

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, αἰσχρολογία appears explicitly in Colossians 3:8, where Paul lists it among behaviors that Christians must “put off” as part of their new life in the Messiah. The context suggests that such speech is incompatible with the transformed life in Jesus.

While the explicit term appears only once, related concepts are addressed throughout Scripture, particularly in passages dealing with the power of speech and the call to holy living.

• “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and αἰσχρολογία obscene talk from your mouth.” Colossians 3:8

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, αἰσχρολογία was particularly associated with the speech heard in theaters and at symposiums where moral restraints were often abandoned. The early Christian community’s rejection of such speech marked them as distinct from the surrounding culture. This distinction was particularly notable in the context of religious festivals where crude speech and jokes were common in pagan worship but considered inappropriate for followers of Jesus.

The term carried special weight in Jewish-Christian communities where speech was seen as a reflection of one’s relationship with God. The Jewish concept of lashon hara (evil speech) provides important background for understanding how early Christians would have interpreted Paul’s prohibition of αἰσχρολογία.

Theological Significance

The prohibition of αἰσχρολογία reflects the biblical understanding that speech has spiritual significance. As beings created in God’s image, our capacity for speech reflects His creative and communicative nature. Corrupt speech therefore represents a distortion of this divine image-bearing capacity.

The appearance of this term in Colossians connects to the broader theological theme of transformation in Christ. Just as the Messiah’s death and resurrection transform the believer’s status before God, this new reality should manifest in transformed speech patterns.

This word also points to the biblical principle that external speech reveals internal spiritual condition, as Jesus taught in Matthew 12:34: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Personal Application

In our current digital age, where speech can be broadcast instantly to thousands, the warning against αἰσχρολογία takes on new relevance. Believers are called to examine not only their verbal communication but also their written words, social media posts, and online interactions.

Consider implementing a personal speech filter based on Ephesians 4:29: “Does this communication build up? Does it give grace to those who hear?”

Related Words

• βλασφημία (blasphēmia) – blasphemy, slander, speech that dishonors – Similar in its corrupt nature but specifically directed against God or sacred things See G988
• αἰσχρότης (aischrotēs) – filthiness, obscenity – The broader category of shameful behavior of which αἰσχρολογία is a specific type See G151
• μωρολογία (mōrologia) – foolish or stupid speech – Related to inappropriate speech but focusing on its foolish rather than corrupt nature See G3473
• εὐτραπελία (eutrapelia) – vulgar joking, crude humor – Another form of inappropriate speech specifically related to coarse humor See G2160

Did you Know?

• The term αἰσχρολογία was so offensive in some ancient Greek communities that using it in public spaces could result in social ostracism or legal penalties.
• Ancient Greek rhetorical schools specifically taught their students to avoid αἰσχρολογία as it was considered a mark of poor education and low social status.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of αἰσχρολογία to describe profanity and offensive language, showing the enduring impact of this biblical concept.

Remember This

αἰσχρολογία stands as a powerful reminder that our speech either glorifies God and builds up others or corrupts both speaker and hearer – there is no neutral ground in the spiritual impact of our words.