Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies as it provides deeper insights into the text and its meanings. The Greek word ἐντροπή (entropē) is particularly significant as it conveys the concepts of “shame,” “disgrace,” or “reverence.” This word is often used in both secular and religious contexts to describe feelings of shame, dishonor, or respect that arise from social and moral situations. In the New Testament, ἐντροπή is employed to express the response one should have in light of moral failings or divine authority, making it a key term for understanding early Christian attitudes towards humility, repentance, and respect.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐντροπή (entropē) [en-TROH-pay]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) + τρέπω (trepō, “to turn”), suggesting the idea of “turning in” due to shame or reverence.
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine). It follows the first declension pattern in Greek grammar.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Shame — a feeling of embarrassment or guilt arising from wrongdoing or failure.
• Disgrace — loss of honor or respect, often due to misconduct.
• Reverence — deep respect or awe, particularly in a religious context.

Similar Words: αἰσχύνη (aischynē) [es-KHEE-nee], which means “shame” or “disgrace,” focuses more on the dishonor aspect and emotional humiliation. εὐλάβεια (eulabeia) [ev-LA-vee-a], meaning “reverence” or “godly fear,” is more associated with respect and cautious behavior in the face of divine authority.

Further Insights: ἐντροπή as a noun carries the connotation of an inward turning or self-reflection prompted by shame or reverence. It often appears in contexts where moral behavior is under scrutiny, whether in personal conduct or in response to divine or social expectations. As a feminine noun in the first declension, its forms vary according to the case it takes (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative), affecting its grammatical role in a sentence.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐντροπή is defined as “a feeling of shame” or “reverence.” It is often used to describe the emotional response of being ashamed due to inappropriate actions or words, particularly when viewed in light of divine expectations or social norms.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐντροπή as “shame” or “disgrace,” emphasizing its use in situations where someone feels dishonored due to moral failings. It can also mean “respect” in contexts where one is turned inwardly to consider their standing before God or authority figures.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary defines ἐντροπή as “shame” or “reverence,” pointing out its dual use for both feeling ashamed and showing respectful fear. It highlights the word’s versatility in expressing both negative and positive emotional states.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides a broader definition of ἐντροπή as “shame,” “disgrace,” or “reverence,” used in various Greek writings to denote a turning inward in response to perceived dishonor or to show respect.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance lists ἐντροπή as “shame” or “reverence,” noting its frequent use in moral and ethical contexts, especially where a change in behavior is encouraged due to shame or respect.

Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 6:5 – “I speak to your shame (ἐντροπήν). Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you?”
• 1 Corinthians 15:34 – “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame (ἐντροπήν).”
• 2 Corinthians 9:4 – “Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed (ἐντροπή) in this same confident boasting.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐντροπή (G1791: entropē)

ἐντροπή (entropē) is a Greek noun meaning “shame,” “disgrace,” or “reverence.” It is significant in Biblical studies and classical literature for its dual usage in conveying both a negative response of shame and a positive response of reverence or respect. The term captures an inward turning, whether in response to moral failings or in showing deep respect. In the New Testament, ἐντροπή is used to describe a desirable quality of humility and repentance, as well as a state of disgrace due to sin or folly, making it an important word for understanding the ethical and spiritual teachings of early Christianity.

Did You Know?

The concept of ἐντροπή was central to ancient Greek thought on ethics and behavior. It was seen not just as a passive feeling but as an active moral quality that could lead to personal growth or change. In the New Testament, ἐντροπή is used to encourage believers to turn inward, reflect on their actions, and correct their ways, showing that this ancient idea of shame as a constructive force was integrated into Christian moral teachings.