from ἐπί and αἰσχύνομαι; to feel shame for something:--be ashamed.
Transliteration:epaischýnomai
Pronunciation:ep-ahee-skhoo'-nom-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπαισχύνομαι (epaischýnomai, `{{G1870}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`), meaning "upon" or "over," and the verb αἰσχύνομαι (aischýnomai, `{{G153}}`), meaning "to be ashamed" or "to feel shame." The prefix ἐπί serves to intensify the base meaning, indicating a strong, often public, or deep-seated feeling of shame *concerning* something or someone. It conveys the sense of being so ashamed of something that one is reluctant or unwilling to acknowledge, confess, or associate with it. This shame is not merely an internal emotion but often implies a social dimension, where one might be disgraced or experience a loss of standing due to an association. The core meaning thus encapsulates a profound sense of disgrace or unworthiness that leads to a shrinking back from identification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπαισχύνομαι appears in several significant New Testament passages, primarily in contexts related to the Gospel, Christ, and the believer's witness.
* **Romans 1:16**: Paul declares, "For I am *not ashamed* of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." This is perhaps the most iconic use of the word. In a world where the message of a crucified Messiah was considered foolishness to Gentiles and a stumbling block to Jews, Paul boldly asserts his lack of shame. His conviction highlights the divine power inherent in the Gospel, contrasting it sharply with human weakness or social stigma.
* **2 Timothy 1:8**: Paul exhorts Timothy, "Therefore *do not be ashamed* of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me as his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God." Here, the call not to be ashamed extends to both the message of Christ and the suffering of His messengers. It directly addresses the social pressure and potential disgrace associated with identifying with a persecuted faith and its imprisoned adherents.
* **2 Timothy 1:12**: Paul reiterates his own stance: "But I am *not ashamed*, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me." Despite his imprisonment and the apparent disgrace, Paul's steadfast faith in Christ overcomes any potential for shame, demonstrating a profound personal conviction.
* **2 Timothy 1:16**: In a positive example, Paul commends Onesiphorus, who "was *not ashamed* of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me." This illustrates a loyal and courageous identification with Paul despite his status as a prisoner, defying the social norms that would typically lead to avoidance.
* **Hebrews 2:11**: A profoundly theological statement declares, "For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is *not ashamed* to call them brothers." This verse reveals Christ's amazing solidarity with humanity. Despite humanity's fallen state, Christ, in His holiness, willingly identifies with believers, demonstrating an incredible act of grace and humility.
* **Hebrews 11:16**: Speaking of the patriarchs and their faith, the text states, "But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is *not ashamed* to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." This is a remarkable declaration of God's faithfulness and commitment to His covenant people. Despite their imperfections, God takes no shame in identifying with those who seek Him, affirming His promises and the honor He bestows upon them.
* **Mark 8:38 / Luke 9:26**: Jesus issues a stern warning: "For whoever is *ashamed* of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." This is a stark warning of the eschatological consequences of denying Christ due to fear of social disapproval. It presents a terrifying reciprocal shame: if one is ashamed of Christ now, Christ will be ashamed of them at His glorious return.
Across these contexts, ἐπαισχύνομαι often appears in negative constructions ("not ashamed") to highlight courage, conviction, and loyalty in the face of social pressure or persecution. When used positively ("ashamed"), it underscores the perilous nature of denying Christ or His message.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἐπαισχύνομαι is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **αἰσχύνομαι (aischýnomai, `{{G153}}`):** The base verb, meaning "to be ashamed." ἐπαισχύνομαι is an intensified form, emphasizing a deeper or more public dimension of shame. While αἰσχύνομαι can simply denote feeling embarrassed, ἐπαισχύνομαι often implies a reluctance to act or identify due to a perceived disgrace.
* **καταισχύνω (kataischynō, `{{G2617}}`):** Meaning "to put to shame," "to disgrace," or "to be put to shame." This verb often describes the act of causing shame to someone else or experiencing public humiliation, sometimes in a competitive context (e.g., being defeated). While ἐπαισχύνομαι focuses on the internal feeling of shame and its effect on one's willingness to associate, καταισχύνω often describes the outcome of being disgraced or discomfited.
* **ἐντρέπω (entrepo, `{{G1788}}`):** Can mean "to put to shame" or "to reverence." It sometimes implies a shame that leads to a sense of respect or repentance, a more positive outcome than the shame of ἐπαισχύνομαι which often leads to denial.
* **Antonyms/Opposite Concepts:** The opposite of ἐπαισχύνομαι is often expressed through concepts like boldness, confidence, and courage. The Greek word παρρησία (parrēsia, `{{G3954}}`), meaning "boldness," "frankness," or "confidence," stands in direct contrast to the shrinking back implied by ἐπαισχύνομαι. Other related concepts include honor, glory, and unwavering faithfulness.
* **Thematic Connections:** The word is deeply connected to themes of confession and denial of Christ, the cost of discipleship, persecution and social stigma, the power of the Gospel versus human weakness, and divine faithfulness and identification with humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of ἐπαισχύνομαι is profound, illuminating several core aspects of Christian faith:
* **The Unashamed Gospel:** Paul's declaration in Romans 1:16 establishes a foundational truth: the Gospel, despite its apparent foolishness to the world, is the very power of God for salvation. To be ashamed of it is to misunderstand or deny the divine power at work. It calls believers to embrace the counter-cultural nature of the Gospel with boldness, recognizing that its true value is not judged by human standards but by God's transformative power.
* **Identification with Christ and His Suffering:** The repeated exhortations in 2 Timothy emphasize that true discipleship involves an unashamed identification with Christ, even in His suffering and the suffering of His servants. This challenges believers to prioritize loyalty to Christ over social acceptance or personal comfort, recognizing that the temporary shame of the world pales in comparison to the eternal glory of Christ.
* **God's Unashamed Love and Solidarity:** Perhaps the most astonishing theological insight from ἐπαισχύνομαι comes from its use in Hebrews, where both Christ (Hebrews 2:11) and God the Father (Hebrews 11:16) are described as *not ashamed* to identify with humanity and their covenant people. This reveals the immense grace, condescension, and faithfulness of God. Christ, though holy, is not ashamed to call us "brothers," demonstrating His perfect solidarity. God, though sovereign, is not ashamed to be called the God of imperfect people who trust Him, affirming His unwavering covenant promises and the honor He bestows upon His chosen. This divine "unashamedness" is a cornerstone of the believer's security and hope.
* **Eschatological Warning:** The words of Jesus in Mark 8:38 and Luke 9:26 serve as a solemn warning. The present choice to be ashamed of Christ, driven by fear of human disapproval, carries eternal consequences. The reciprocal shame from the Son of Man at His glorious return underscores the absolute necessity of unashamed allegiance to Christ in this life.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπαισχύνομαι (epaischýnomai, `{{G1870}}`) signifies an intense feeling of shame or disgrace that leads one to shrink from acknowledging or associating with something or someone. In the New Testament, this term is primarily used to delineate the believer's imperative *not* to be ashamed of the Gospel, of Christ, or of His suffering servants, even in the face of worldly scorn or persecution. This unashamedness is presented as a hallmark of true faith, demonstrating conviction, courage, and loyalty to divine truth over human opinion. Conversely, the positive use of "ashamed" in Jesus' warning highlights the dire eschatological consequences for those who deny Him out of fear. Most profoundly, ἐπαισχύνομαι unveils the astonishing theological truth that God and Christ are *not ashamed* to identify with humanity and their covenant people, revealing the depth of divine love, grace, and unwavering faithfulness. This word thus underscores the critical tension between the values of the world, which often bring shame upon the things of God, and the unshakeable truth and power of the divine.
TRV