The Greek word aischrón, represented by G149, refers to a shameful thing or indecorum. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used to describe actions or states that are considered disgraceful or improper according to a particular standard.
In its biblical usage, G149 is applied to specific situations deemed inappropriate within a community context. It is called a shame for women to speak in the church 1 Corinthians 14:35. It is also described as a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, an appearance which is contrasted with being covered 1 Corinthians 11:6. The term also characterizes things done in secret that are so disgraceful they are a shame even to speak of Ephesians 5:12.
Several related words help define the contexts in which G149 is used:
- G2980 laléō (to talk): This action is what is labeled a shame for women to do within the church setting 1 Corinthians 14:35.
- G2751 keírō (to shear): The act of being "shorn" is explicitly called a shame for a woman 1 Corinthians 11:6.
- G3587 xyráō (to shave): Paired with being shorn, being "shaven" is also identified as a shame for a woman 1 Corinthians 11:6.
- G2931 kryphē (privately): This adverb describes things done "in secret" which are a shame to speak of Ephesians 5:12.
The theological weight of G149 relates to standards of conduct and moral purity.
- Public Order and Decorum: The word establishes a standard for proper behavior and appearance within the church. It is used to define what constitutes indecorum, such as a woman speaking in the assembly or being shorn (1 Corinthians 14:35, 1 Corinthians 11:6).
- The Unspeakable Nature of Sin: G149 points to a category of deeds so morally disgraceful that even mentioning them is a shame. This establishes a clear boundary between righteous conduct and secret sins Ephesians 5:12.
- Context-Dependent Propriety: The concept of shame is not abstract but is tied to concrete actions in specific settings. The shamefulness of an act is defined by its context, whether it relates to church order or public appearance.
In summary, G149 defines what is considered a shame or indecorum in specific biblical contexts. It is not an abstract feeling but a judgment applied to particular actions, such as speaking in the church or violating standards of appearance (1 Corinthians 14:35, 1 Corinthians 11:6). It also marks certain hidden deeds as being too disgraceful for public mention, thereby reinforcing a clear moral boundary Ephesians 5:12. The word consistently points to a breach of divinely established order and decency.
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