Understanding ἀσχήμων (aschēmōn) Strong’s G809: Uncovering the Biblical Concept of Unpresentable Parts and Divine Dignity

Pronunciation Guide: as-kay-mone

Basic Definition

Strong’s G809: ἀσχήμων refers to that which is considered unseemly, indecent, or unpresentable, particularly in reference to parts of the body that require more careful treatment and covering. In the New Testament, this term carries profound theological significance about human dignity and God’s intentional design in creating both presentable and unpresentable parts of the body, each serving unique and valuable purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Word: Compound of ἀ (negative prefix) and σχῆμα (schema, form, appearance)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Teaching passages, particularly in Paul’s epistles addressing church unity
• Literary Style: Didactic literature

ἀσχήμων Morphology:

• ἀσχήμων (nominative singular) – unpresentable
• ἀσχήμονα (accusative singular) – unpresentable (direct object)
• ἀσχήμονες (nominative plural) – unpresentable ones
• ἀσχημόνων (genitive plural) – of unpresentable ones

Origin & History

The word ἀσχήμων has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it initially described anything that lacked proper form or beauty. Xenophon used it in his “Memorabilia” to describe ungraceful movements, while Plato employed it in “The Republic” to discuss unseemly behavior in society.

In the Septuagint, though the exact form ἀσχήμων is not frequently used, related words from the same root appear in contexts dealing with shame, impropriety, and the need for modesty. This understanding carried forward into Hellenistic Jewish literature, where it often related to matters of ritual purity and proper conduct.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Paedagogus,” expanded on Paul’s usage of ἀσχήμων to develop a theology of the body that emphasized dignity and proper treatment of all members of both the physical body and the Body of the Messiah.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which lacks proper form or appearance
• Parts requiring special modesty or covering
• That which is considered unseemly or improper
• That which lacks social honor or status

ἀσχήμων Translation Options:

• “Unpresentable” – Emphasizes the need for covering or special treatment
• “Less honorable” – Focuses on social status aspect
• “Unseemly” – Captures the aesthetic and moral dimensions
• “Indecent” – Addresses the modesty aspect, though potentially too strong in modern usage
• “Less presentable” – Maintains the comparative nature of Paul’s teaching

Biblical Usage

The most significant use of ἀσχήμων occurs in 1 Corinthians 12:23, where Paul uses it as part of his extended metaphor of the church as a body. In this context, he makes the profound point that God has deliberately designed the body with both presentable and unpresentable parts, each serving essential functions and deserving appropriate honor.

This usage reflects deep theological insights about divine design and purpose, challenging cultural assumptions about honor and status. Paul’s argument suggests that what society might consider ἀσχήμων actually receives special honor in God’s economy, a principle that applies both to physical body parts and to members of the church body.

Key Biblical References:

• “And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable [ἀσχήμων], on these we bestow greater honor” 1 Corinthians 12:23 greater honor

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of honor and shame played a crucial role in social interactions. The use of ἀσχήμων would have immediately resonated with readers familiar with the practice of covering certain body parts not just for modesty but as a sign of bestowing special honor. This parallels Jewish customs regarding tzniut (modesty), where covering certain parts of the body was seen not as shame but as a way of preserving and enhancing dignity.

The cultural context also included public bath houses and gymnasiums where the human body was often displayed openly, making Paul’s teaching about treating unpresentable parts with special honor particularly countercultural and meaningful to his original audience.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀσχήμων in 1 Corinthians 12 reveals God’s upside-down kingdom principles where what seems less honorable receives greater honor. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God choosing the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).

The term carries profound implications for understanding God’s intentional design in creation and His purpose for diversity within the Body of the Messiah. Just as the physical body needs both presentable and unpresentable parts to function properly, so the church needs all its members, regardless of their apparent status or honor in human eyes.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀσχήμων challenges us to reconsider how we view and treat those parts of our lives, our bodies, and our communities that seem less presentable or honorable. It calls us to recognize God’s purposeful design in creating diversity and to treat with special honor those aspects of life that the world might consider shameful or unseemly.

This understanding can transform how we view ourselves and others, leading us to celebrate rather than hide our perceived weaknesses, knowing that God intentionally designs and uses every part for His glory.

Related Words

• ἀσχημονέω (aschēmoneō) – to behave unseemly: Connected to actions rather than state of being See G807
• εὐσχήμων (euschēmōn) – honorable, presentable: The opposite of ἀσχήμων See G2158
• σχῆμα (schēma) – form, appearance: The root word defining external appearance See G4976
• ἄτιμος (atimos) – without honor, despised: Similar concept but focused on social status See G820

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀσχήμων in ancient medical texts was used to describe body parts that required special care and protection, showing that the “unpresentable” nature wasn’t negative but rather indicated a need for greater attention and honor.
• In ancient Greek athletic competitions, the concept of ἀσχήμων influenced the development of athletic garments, as certain parts of the body were considered to require covering even during physical contests.
• The rabbinical concept of הצנע לכת (hatznea lechet – walking modestly) from Micah 6:8 shares remarkable parallels with Paul’s teaching about ἀσχήμων parts receiving greater honor.

Remember This

ἀσχήμων reminds us that in God’s economy, what the world considers unpresentable often receives the greatest honor, revealing His perfect design in both our physical bodies and the Body of the Messiah.