Understanding αἴσχρον (aischron) Strong’s G149: Unveiling the Biblical Concept of Shameful Conduct and Divine Standards of Honor

Pronunciation Guide: eye-SKRON

Basic Definition

Strong’s G149: αἴσχρον refers to that which is shameful, disgraceful, or morally repugnant according to divine and cultural standards. It describes conduct or speech that violates proper decorum and brings dishonor both to the individual and the community of believers. This term carries strong moral overtones and often appears in contexts addressing appropriate Christian behavior and witness.

Etymology and Morphology

• Adjective in neuter singular form
• Derived from αἶσχος (aischos), meaning shame or disgrace
• Primary usage in ethical instruction and moral teaching passages
• Frequently appears in Pauline epistles addressing church conduct

αἴσχρον Morphology:

• αἰσχρός (masculine nominative singular) – shameful
• αἰσχρά (feminine nominative singular) – shameful
• αἴσχρον (neuter nominative/accusative singular) – shameful thing
• αἰσχροῦ (masculine/neuter genitive singular) – of what is shameful
• αἰσχρῷ (masculine/neuter dative singular) – to/with what is shameful

Origin & History

The concept of αἴσχρον has deep roots in classical Greek culture, where it functioned as a cornerstone of social ethics. In Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics,” he employs αἰσχρός to describe actions that violate moral beauty and proper conduct. Plato, in his “Republic,” uses the term to contrast with τὸ καλόν (the beautiful/noble), establishing a fundamental ethical dichotomy in Greek philosophical thought.

The term evolved from describing physical ugliness to encompassing moral repugnance, particularly in contexts of social honor and shame. In classical literature, Sophocles employs αἰσχρός in “Antigone” to describe actions that transgress both divine and human laws, highlighting its dual significance in religious and social spheres.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which brings shame or dishonor to oneself or others
• Conduct that violates established moral or social standards
• Speech or behavior unbecoming of a follower of the Messiah
• Actions that contradict divine principles of holiness

αἴσχρον Translation Options:

• “Shameful” – Emphasizes the social consequence of dishonorable conduct
• “Disgraceful” – Highlights the violation of moral standards
• “Improper” – Focuses on the breach of appropriate behavior
• “Base” – Captures the moral degradation implied in the term
• “Dishonorable” – Reflects the term’s connection to honor-shame cultural dynamics

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, αἴσχρον appears predominantly in contexts addressing Christian conduct and church order. Paul employs the term to establish boundaries for appropriate behavior within the believing community, particularly in matters of worship, speech, and gender relations.

The word carries special significance in passages addressing the testimony of believers before unbelievers, emphasizing how inappropriate conduct can damage the witness of the church and dishonor the Messiah.

• “For it is shameful [αἰσχρόν] for a woman to speak in church.” 1 Corinthians 14:35
• “For it is shameful [αἰσχρόν] even to speak of the things that they do in secret.” Ephesians 5:12
• “To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.” Titus 1:15

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of shame (αἰσχρόν) was intricately connected to the honor-shame social system. Actions were evaluated not merely by their inherent morality but by how they affected one’s standing in the community. This cultural framework helps explain why Paul frequently appeals to what is αἰσχρόν when addressing behavioral issues in the early church.

The term carried particular weight in Mediterranean societies where public reputation and family honor were paramount. Understanding this cultural context illuminates why the apostles often framed ethical instructions in terms of what brings honor or shame to the believing community.

Theological Significance

The use of αἴσχρον in Scripture reveals God’s concern not only for outward behavior but for the heart’s alignment with His character. It demonstrates that divine standards of holiness encompass both internal motivations and external conduct, reflecting the transformative nature of salvation.

This word serves as a reminder that believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, avoiding not just what is explicitly sinful, but also what undermines the dignity and witness of the body of the Messiah. It points to the reality that our conduct either glorifies or dishonors God, with no neutral ground.

The concept of αἴσχρον also highlights the contrast between worldly and divine standards of honor, challenging believers to evaluate their choices not by cultural norms but by God’s unchanging character.

Personal Application

In our contemporary context, understanding αἴσχρον challenges us to examine our conduct through the lens of divine honor rather than merely social acceptability. This requires regular self-reflection: Do our words and actions bring honor to God and edify His people, or do they compromise our witness?

This word calls us to cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in matters of conduct, recognizing that what we might justify as acceptable may actually grieve Him and damage our testimony before others.

Related Words

• αἰσχύνη (aischyne) – shame, disgrace, dishonor (eye-SKOO-nay) – Emphasizes the feeling or state of shame – See G152
• αἰσχρότης (aischrotes) – filthiness, obscenity (eye-SKRO-tace) – Focuses on the quality of being morally repugnant – See G151
• αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdes) – greedy of shameful gain (eye-skro-ker-DACE) – Combines shame with materialism – See G150
• ἐντροπή (entrope) – shame leading to change (en-tro-PAY) – Indicates productive shame that leads to reformation – See G1791

Did you Know?

• The concept of αἴσχρον played a crucial role in ancient Greek military training, where soldiers were taught that cowardice was the ultimate αἰσχρόν (shameful thing), influencing Paul’s military metaphors in his epistles.
• In ancient Greek drama, characters who committed αἰσχρόν acts often wore specific masks to signify their moral degradation, a cultural reference that would have resonated with the first-century audience of the New Testament.
• The word αἰσχρόν appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe symptoms that indicated moral as well as physical corruption, reflecting the ancient understanding of the connection between moral and physical well-being.

Remember This

αἴσχρον reminds us that God’s standards of honor and shame transcend cultural norms, calling believers to conduct themselves in ways that reflect His glory and advance His kingdom.