### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb αἰσχύνομαι (aischýnomai) `{{G153}}` is derived from the noun αἶσχος (aischos), which denotes "shame," "disgrace," "dishonor," or "ugliness." As a passive form, αἰσχύνομαι primarily means "to feel shame," "to be ashamed," or "to be put to shame." It describes an internal sensation of humiliation or embarrassment, often stemming from a perceived failure, a wrongdoing, or exposure to ridicule. The root's implication of "disfigurement" suggests a moral or spiritual blemish that leads to a loss of honor or reputation. The semantic range extends from a personal, internal feeling of disgrace to being publicly humiliated or disgraced by others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of αἰσχύνομαι `{{G153}}` in the New Testament illuminate its various nuances:
* In [[Luke 13:17]], after Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath, "all his adversaries were put to shame" (ἠσχύνοντο). Here, the shame is a public humiliation experienced by those who opposed Jesus' divine authority and benevolent acts, exposed by the undeniable power of God.
* Paul uses the term in [[2 Corinthians 7:14]] and [[2 Corinthians 10:8]] to express confidence in his ministry and the Corinthians' response. In [[2 Corinthians 7:14]], he states that his boasting about the Corinthians to Titus was not in vain, so he was "not put to shame" (οὐκ ἠσχύνθην). Similarly, in [[2 Corinthians 10:8]], he asserts that his God-given authority, used for edification, will not lead him to "be put to shame" (οὐκ αἰσχυνθήσομαι). These instances highlight a confidence in the legitimacy and integrity of his apostolic work.
* In [[Philippians 1:20]], Paul expresses his "earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed" (οὐκ αἰσχυνθήσομαι), but that Christ will be magnified through his life or death. This reflects a profound commitment to Christ, confident that his steadfastness will not result in disgrace, but in Christ's glorification.
* [[1 Peter 4:16]] offers a crucial redefinition of shame for believers: "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed" (μὴ αἰσχυνέσθω), but rather glorify God. This verse transforms worldly shame associated with persecution into an occasion for divine honor and worship.
* Perhaps most significantly, [[1 John 2:28]] warns believers to "abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming" (μὴ αἰσχυνθῶμεν ἀπ᾽ αὐτοῦ). This points to an ultimate, eschatological shame that can be avoided by faithful adherence to Christ, underscoring the seriousness of one's walk before the Lord.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **αἶσχος (aischos)**: The root noun, meaning "shame" or "disgrace."
* **αἰσχρός (aischros)** `{{G150}}`: The adjective form, meaning "shameful," "base," or "dishonorable," often referring to actions or speech (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:4]]).
* **αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdēs)** `{{G149}}`: An adjective describing one who is "greedy for dishonest gain," literally "shamefully greedy" (e.g., [[1 Timothy 3:8]]).
* **ἐπαισχύνομαι (epaischynomai)** `{{G1870}}`: A compound verb, often translated "to be ashamed of" someone or something (e.g., [[Romans 1:16]], where Paul is "not ashamed of the gospel"). While related, `{{G1870}}` often carries the nuance of actively disowning or being embarrassed *by* something, whereas `{{G153}}` focuses more on the feeling of shame itself or being put to shame.
* **καταισχύνω (kataischynō)** `{{G2617}}`: Another related verb, meaning "to put to shame," "to disgrace," or "to humiliate." This verb emphasizes the action of causing shame in another (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 11:4-5]], [[Romans 9:33]]).
* **δόξα (doxa)** `{{G1391}}`: "Glory" or "honor." This word serves as a direct antonym to shame, as seen in the contrast between suffering shame and glorifying God ([[1 Peter 4:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The concept of shame, as conveyed by αἰσχύνομαι `{{G153}}`, carries significant theological weight.
1. **Moral Conscience and Exposure:** The feeling of shame often acts as a spiritual indicator, signaling a departure from God's righteous standards or a failure to live up to divine expectations. In the case of Christ's adversaries ([[Luke 13:17]]), their shame was a consequence of their opposition to divine truth being exposed.
2. **Confidence in God's Faithfulness:** For the believer, the absence of shame is deeply intertwined with confidence in God's faithfulness and the integrity of one's walk with Him. Paul's statements underscore that a life lived in accordance with God's will and purpose will ultimately not result in disgrace before men or God ([[2 Corinthians 7:14]], [[Philippians 1:20]]).
3. **Redefinition of Honor in Suffering:** The New Testament radically redefines what is truly shameful. While the world may heap shame upon those who suffer for their faith, [[1 Peter 4:16]] declares that such suffering is not a cause for shame but an occasion to glorify God. This aligns with Christ's own path, who "despised the shame" of the cross for the joy set before Him ([[Hebrews 12:2]]).
4. **Eschatological Accountability and Assurance:** The most profound theological implication of αἰσχύνομαι `{{G153}}` is found in [[1 John 2:28]]. The potential for shame before Christ at His glorious return serves as a powerful motivation for faithful perseverance. Abiding in Christ ensures boldness and confidence, rather than a humiliating exposure of unfaithfulness on the Day of Judgment. This verse elevates the concept of shame to an ultimate, eternal consequence, underscoring the seriousness of one's relationship with the living Christ.
### Summary
The Greek verb αἰσχύνομαι (aischýnomai) `{{G153}}` denotes the experience of "feeling ashamed" or "being put to shame," rooted in the concept of disgrace or disfigurement. Its use in the New Testament reveals a multifaceted understanding of shame: as a just consequence for those who oppose divine truth (e.g., [[Luke 13:17]]), as an absence of disgrace for those whose ministry and life are aligned with God's will (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 7:14]], [[Philippians 1:20]]), and as a worldly perception that believers are called to transcend when suffering for Christ (e.g., [[1 Peter 4:16]]). Most significantly, αἰσχύνομαι `{{G153}}` carries a profound eschatological weight, serving as a warning against being found unfaithful and thus ashamed before Christ at His coming ([[1 John 2:28]]). This word study highlights the contrast between human disgrace and divine honor, urging believers to live lives of integrity and faithfulness that will ultimately bring glory to God and confidence at the Lord's appearing.
TRV