Pronunciation Guide: eye-SKHOO-no

Basic Definition

Strong’s G153: αἰσχύνω (aischuno) refers to the experience of shame, disgrace, or dishonor, particularly in relation to moral failure or social disapproval. It carries the sense of being ashamed of oneself or feeling dishonored, often leading to a change in behavior or perspective. This word encompasses both the emotional experience of shame and its behavioral consequences.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: αἶσχος (aischos) meaning “shame, disgrace”
• Primary Usage: Narrative and epistolary literature
• Voice: Middle/Passive
• Tense: Present and Future forms most common

αἰσχύνω Morphology:

• αἰσχύνω (present active) – I shame, dishonor
• αἰσχύνομαι (present middle/passive) – I am ashamed, feel shame
• αἰσχυνθήσομαι (future passive) – I will be ashamed
• ᾐσχύνθην (aorist passive) – I was ashamed
• αἰσχυνθῶ (aorist subjunctive) – I might be ashamed

Origin & History

The word αἰσχύνω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, appearing prominently in the works of ancient Greek philosophers and dramatists. In Plato’s “Republic,” the concept of αἰσχύνω is discussed in relation to moral education and character formation, where it represents the internal moral compass that guides societal behavior.

Homer employs αἰσχύνω in the “Iliad” to describe warriors’ fear of bringing shame upon themselves or their community through cowardice or dishonorable conduct. This usage highlights the word’s strong connection to honor-shame culture in ancient Greek society.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The feeling of shame or disgrace resulting from moral failure
• The act of bringing shame or dishonor upon oneself or others
• The state of being dishonored or disgraced in society
• The process of being made ashamed through conviction or revelation

αἰσχύνω Translation Options:

• “to be ashamed” – When used in the middle/passive voice, emphasizing internal emotional state
• “to dishonor” – When used in active voice, focusing on bringing shame to others
• “to feel disgraced” – When emphasizing the social consequences
• “to be put to shame” – When highlighting divine or moral judgment

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, αἰσχύνω appears primarily in contexts dealing with spiritual conviction and moral transformation. The word often carries a redemptive element, where godly shame leads to repentance and spiritual growth. This differs from worldly shame, which merely condemns.

In the Septuagint (LXX), αἰσχύνω frequently translates Hebrew words related to shame (בּוּשׁ, bush) and appears in contexts of covenant faithfulness and unfaithfulness. The prophets particularly use this concept to call Israel back to covenant loyalty to יהוה (Yahweh).

• “[The steward] said within himself, ‘What shall I do, since my lord is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed [αἰσχύνομαι] to beg.'” Luke 16:3
• “For I am not ashamed [αἰσχύνομαι] of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation.” Romans 1:16
• “And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed [αἰσχυνθῶμεν] before Him at His coming.” 1 John 2:28

Cultural Insights

In the honor-shame culture of the ancient Mediterranean world, αἰσχύνω played a crucial role in maintaining social order and moral behavior. Unlike modern Western cultures that emphasize guilt and innocence, ancient Greek and Jewish societies were primarily concerned with honor and shame as motivators for ethical conduct.

The concept was particularly powerful in early Christian communities, where believers faced potential shame from both Jewish and Gentile societies for their faith in the Messiah. This context helps explain why New Testament authors often reframe shame, showing how what appears shameful to the world may be honorable before God.

Theological Significance

The theological use of αἰσχύνω reveals God’s redemptive work in human hearts. Unlike destructive worldly shame, godly shame (as expressed through αἰσχύνω) serves as a divine tool for conviction and transformation. It points to the Holy Spirit’s work in bringing awareness of sin and the need for repentance.

This word also connects to the Messiah’s experience of shame on the cross, where He “endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2). Through His sacrifice, Jesus transforms the meaning of shame, showing how divine purpose can work through what appears shameful to bring about redemption.

Personal Application

Understanding αἰσχύνω helps believers distinguish between destructive worldly shame and constructive godly shame. When we experience shame over sin, we can view it as an opportunity for growth and transformation rather than condemnation. This word reminds us that feeling ashamed of our sins can be a gift that leads us to repentance and closer fellowship with God.

Related Words

• ἐντρέπω (entrepo) – to turn about, to reverence, to put to shame – Similar in meaning but emphasizes the turning or change that shame produces See G1788
• καταισχύνω (kataischuno) – to put to shame, disgrace – An intensified form of αἰσχύνω See G2617
• ἐπαισχύνομαι (epaischunomai) – to be ashamed of – Specifically refers to feeling shame about someone or something See G1870

Did you Know?

• Modern Greek still uses αἰσχύνω in legal contexts to describe acts that bring dishonor or shame to individuals or institutions, showing the enduring power of this concept in Greek culture.
• In ancient Greek athletic competitions, αἰσχύνω was used to describe the shame of losing a contest, particularly when the loss was due to poor preparation or lack of effort rather than being outmatched by a superior opponent.
• The root word αἶσχος (aischos) is related to ancient Greek aesthetic theory, where it described physical ugliness before extending to moral ugliness, showing how visual and moral concepts were interconnected in Greek thought.

Remember This

Godly shame (αἰσχύνω) serves as a divine catalyst for transformation, turning what seems like defeat into the triumph of grace through repentance and restoration.