Understanding ἀνεπαίσχυντος (anepaischuntos) Strong’s G422: The Unashamed Worker Approved by God

Pronunciation Guide: an-ep-ah’-ee-skhoon-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G422: A compound word meaning “not ashamed” or “having no cause for shame,” specifically referring to one who has no reason to be ashamed of their work or service. In its biblical context, it describes a worker who can stand confidently before God and others because of their faithful, diligent, and accurate handling of God’s truth.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Components: ἀν- (negative prefix) + ἐπί (upon) + αἰσχύνω (to shame)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Teaching/Pastoral sections
• Appears only once in the New Testament

ἀνεπαίσχυντος Morphology:

• ἀνεπαίσχυντος (nominative singular masculine) – unashamed
• ἀνεπαίσχυντον (accusative singular masculine) – unashamed
• ἀνεπαίσχυντου (genitive singular masculine) – of the unashamed

Origin & History

The term ἀνεπαίσχυντος represents a unique compound construction in Koine Greek, combining three elements to create a powerful expression of confident, shameless service. While rare in classical Greek literature, similar constructions appear in works discussing professional conduct and personal honor.

In the Hellenistic period, the concept of being “unashamed” (ἀναίσχυντος) was often associated with moral integrity and professional competence. However, the specific compound ἀνεπαίσχυντος, with its added prepositional element (ἐπί), creates a more nuanced meaning suggesting active resistance against potential shame through competent work.

The early church fathers, particularly Chrysostom in his homilies on 2 Timothy, emphasized this word’s connection to proper handling of biblical truth and faithful ministry. In his “Commentary on 2 Timothy,” Chrysostom writes that the term describes one who “stands straight and upright, not bending or wavering under the weight of false teaching or persecution.”

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• An approved worker who has no need to feel shame
• One who handles truth with such accuracy that they need not be ashamed
• A person whose work stands up to scrutiny and examination

ἀνεπαίσχυντος Translation Options:

• “Not needing to be ashamed” – Emphasizes the result of faithful work
• “Unashamed” – Captures the confident standing of the worker
• “Having no cause for shame” – Reflects the objective quality of the work
• “Standing approved without shame” – Combines both the approval and shamelessness aspects

Biblical Usage

The word ἀνεπαίσχυντος appears only once in the New Testament, in 2 Timothy 2:15, where Paul instructs Timothy about faithful ministry. Its singular appearance makes it particularly significant, as it serves as a focal point for Paul’s teaching about ministerial integrity and proper handling of God’s Word.

The context of its usage is crucial – it appears within Paul’s extended metaphor of the worker (ἐργάτης) who correctly handles (ὀρθοτομοῦντα) the word of truth. This creates a powerful image of a skilled craftsman whose work can withstand the closest inspection.

While the exact compound appears only once, related concepts of “not being ashamed” appear throughout Paul’s letters, forming a important theme in his teaching about faithful ministry:

• “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed [ἀνεπαίσχυντος], accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, craftsmen and workers would have their work regularly inspected by their masters or clients. A worker whose work could not stand up to inspection would face public shame and loss of reputation. This cultural background illuminates Paul’s use of ἀνεπαίσχυντος – he’s painting a picture of a worker whose craftsmanship is so excellent that they can confidently present their work for the most rigorous inspection.

The concept also connects to the Jewish tradition of careful Scripture handling. The soferim (Jewish scribes) were expected to copy and transmit the Torah with absolute precision. Any error would bring shame not only on the individual scribe but on the entire profession. This background adds depth to Paul’s use of ἀνεπαίσχυντος in the context of handling God’s Word.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνεπαίσχυντος in 2 Timothy 2:15 reveals profound theological truths about ministry and God’s Word. It suggests that God’s truth can be known and handled accurately – there is an objective standard against which our work with Scripture can be measured. This counters both ancient and modern relativistic approaches to biblical interpretation.

Furthermore, the word implies that God is the ultimate inspector of our work. The approval we seek is not from human authorities but from God Himself. This elevates the stakes of ministry while also providing comfort – if God approves our work, we need not fear human judgment.

The term also connects to the broader biblical theme of shame and honor, particularly in relation to faithful service to God. It points to the day when all our work will be tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:13), suggesting that faithful ministry now leads to confidence then.

Personal Application

For modern believers, ἀνεπαίσχυντος challenges us to approach God’s Word with both diligence and confidence. We’re called to be workers who handle Scripture carefully, accurately, and faithfully. This requires ongoing study, humble submission to God’s truth, and careful attention to context and meaning.

The word also offers encouragement – when we handle God’s Word faithfully, we need not be ashamed. While we may face criticism or opposition from others, if our work stands approved before God, we can minister with confidence and joy.

Related Words

• ἐπαισχύνομαι (epaischunomai) – to be ashamed – The opposite state of being ashamed of something See G1870
• αἰσχύνη (aischune) – shame, dishonor – The noun form of the root word See G152
• παρρησία (parrhesia) – boldness, confidence – A related concept of speaking without shame See G3954
• δόκιμος (dokimos) – approved, tested – Often appears in similar contexts of being approved after testing See G1384

Did you Know?

• The compound structure of ἀνεπαίσχυντος is unique in the New Testament, making it one of the most distinctive words in the pastoral epistles.
• In ancient Greek crafts guilds, workers would have their work publicly displayed and examined. Those whose work was substandard would face public shame and possibly expulsion from the guild.
• The concept of being “unashamed” was so important in Jewish culture that the Talmud contains lengthy discussions about protecting the dignity and preventing the shame of both scholars and common people.

Remember This

ἀνεπαίσχυντος embodies the confident competence of a worker who knows their craftsmanship will stand up to the Master’s inspection.