The Greek word entrépō, represented by G1788, carries a dual meaning derived from the idea of being inverted or turned. Figuratively, it is used in a good sense to mean respect or regard, and in a bad sense, to confound or shame. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible, illustrating its specific application to social and spiritual relationships.
In scripture, G1788 is used to describe two distinct reactions: reverence and shame. The expectation of reverence is a key theme in the parables of the wicked tenants, where the lord of the vineyard sends his son, believing, "They will reverence my son" (Matthew 21:37; Mark 12:6; Luke 20:13). This sense of respect is also applied to familial relationships, as believers once gave earthly fathers "reverence" Hebrews 12:9. Conversely, the unjust judge is defined by his lack of respect, as he "feared not God, neither regarded man" Luke 18:2. The word also signifies being put to shame as a result of wrongdoing or opposition. An opponent is "ashamed" when confronted with sound speech Titus 2:8, and a person who disobeys the word is to be noted so "that he may be ashamed" 2 Thessalonians 3:14. Paul explicitly contrasts this, stating he does not write to "shame" the Corinthians but to warn them 1 Corinthians 4:14.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of G1788 in context:
- G5399 phobéō (to...revere): Used in parallel with G1788 to describe the character of the unjust judge, who neither "feared" G5399 God nor "regarded" G1788 man, linking the concepts of fear of God and respect for others Luke 18:2.
- G3560 nouthetéō (admonish, warn): This word is used in direct contrast to G1788. Paul clarifies his intention is not to "shame" G1788 the believers but rather to "warn" G3560 them as beloved children 1 Corinthians 4:14.
- G5293 hypotássō (to subordinate; reflexively, to obey): In the same passage where reverence G1788 is given to earthly fathers, the author argues for believers to "be in subjection" G5293 to the Father of spirits, placing reverence and submission as related responses to authority Hebrews 12:9.
- G5219 hypakoúō (to...obey): Disobedience is presented as the direct cause for being shamed. In cases where someone does not "obey" G5219 the apostolic word, the community is instructed to act in a way that causes the disobedient person to be ashamed G1788 2 Thessalonians 3:14.
The theological weight of G1788 is demonstrated in its application to both human and divine relationships.
- Reverence for Divine Authority: The word is used to define the proper response to God's authority, especially as represented by His Son. In the parables, the failure of the tenants to "reverence" the son is the pinnacle of their wickedness Matthew 21:37.
- Shame as a Corrective Measure: The negative sense of G1788 is not merely punitive but corrective. Shame is the intended outcome for those who are disobedient 2 Thessalonians 3:14 or who stand in opposition to the truth Titus 2:8, designed to turn them from their ways.
- Human Relationships as a Model: The Bible uses the natural reverence G1788 for a father to argue for a greater submission to God. The respect given to an earthly father serves as a model for the subjection due to the "Father of spirits" Hebrews 12:9.
In summary, G1788 is a precise term that captures the dynamics of honor and dishonor. It defines the reverence that is due to legitimate authority, whether it is a father, a landowner's son, or God Himself. At the same time, it describes the shame that results from rebellion and disobedience, serving as a powerful social and spiritual consequence. The word moves between the concepts of giving respect and being confounded, highlighting a core biblical principle of order, authority, and correction.
TRV