from εὖ and σχῆμα; well-formed, i.e. (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank):--comely, honourable.
Transliteration:euschḗmōn
Pronunciation:yoo-skhay'-mone
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective εὐσχήμων (euschḗmōn, `{{G2158}}`) is derived from the Greek preposition εὖ (eu, `{{G2095}}`), meaning "well" or "good," and the noun σχῆμα (schēma, `{{G4976}}`), meaning "form," "appearance," or "figure." Etymologically, it signifies "well-formed" or "of good appearance." This foundational meaning extends into a rich semantic range, encompassing both literal and figurative applications.
Literally, it can describe something or someone that is physically presentable, graceful, or comely. Figuratively, and more predominantly in the New Testament, εὐσχήμων denotes that which is decorous, proper, respectable, honorable, or dignified in conduct, character, or social standing. It speaks to an outward manifestation that is fitting, appropriate, and worthy of respect, reflecting an inner disposition or an established societal position. The word captures the essence of what is becoming or seemly, whether in personal behavior or in the presentation of a group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐσχήμων appears five times in the New Testament, with its cognates (adverb εὐσχημόνως and noun εὐσχημονύνη) further illuminating its semantic field.
1. **Mark 15:43**: "Joseph of Arimathea, a respected (εὐσχήμων) member of the Council, who was also himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus." Here, εὐσχήμων clearly refers to Joseph's social standing and reputation. He was a prominent, honorable, and influential member of the Sanhedrin, lending credibility and gravitas to his request.
2. **Acts 13:50**: "But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing (εὐσχήμονας) and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district." Similar to Mark 15:43, this usage points to individuals of significant social status and influence within the community. These were persons whose respectability and position could be leveraged to stir up opposition.
3. **1 Corinthians 12:23-24**: "And those parts of the body that we think less honorable, we clothe with greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty (εὐσχημονύνη), while our more presentable (εὐσχήμονα) parts need no special treatment. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it." In this profound passage on the body of Christ, Paul uses εὐσχήμων (and its related noun) to speak of the "presentable" or "comely" parts of the body, contrasting them with those considered "less honorable" or "unpresentable." This is a figurative application to the members of the church. The emphasis is on outward appearance and decorum, suggesting that all members, regardless of perceived status or function, contribute to the proper and dignified presentation of the entire body. The point is not superficial beauty, but the appropriate and respectable ordering of the community.
4. **Romans 13:13**: (Adverbial form εὐσχημόνως) "Let us walk properly (εὐσχημόνως), as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy." This verse directly applies the concept to Christian conduct. "Walking properly" means living in a decorous, respectable, and orderly manner, free from the vices associated with darkness and disorder. It emphasizes behavior that is fitting for those who belong to the light.
5. **1 Corinthians 7:35**: (Adverbial form εὐσχημόνως) "I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order (εὐσχημόνως) and undivided devotion to the Lord." Here, the adverb denotes an orderly, proper, and becoming way of life that facilitates spiritual devotion. It is about arranging one's life in a manner that is conducive to godliness, free from distractions and impropriety.
Across these contexts, εὐσχήμων and its cognates consistently point to a quality of being "well-ordered," whether in social standing, physical presentation, or moral conduct. It is about what is appropriate, honorable, and conducive to good order.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of εὐσχήμων is enriched by its cognates and related terms:
* **Cognates**:
* εὐσχημονύνη (euschēmosynē, `{{G2157}}`): A noun meaning "decency," "decorum," "propriety." Used in [[1 Corinthians 12:23]].
* εὐσχημόνως (euschēmonōs, `{{G2159}}`): An adverb meaning "decently," "properly," "honorably," "in an orderly manner." Used in [[Romans 13:13]] and [[1 Corinthians 7:35]].
* **Words with overlapping semantic range**:
* κόσμιος (kosmios, `{{G2887}}`): "Orderly," "modest," "respectable," "well-arranged." Often used in parallel with εὐσχήμων when describing Christian conduct or the character of church leaders (e.g., [[1 Timothy 2:9]], [[1 Timothy 3:2]]). Both words emphasize order and propriety.
* πρέπω (prepō, `{{G4241}}`): "To be fitting," "proper," "suitable." This verb captures the idea of what is appropriate for a given situation or person.
* καλός (kalos, `{{G2570}}`): "Good," "beautiful," "noble," "excellent." While broader, καλός often describes actions or qualities that are inherently good and therefore also "well-formed" or "honorable."
* δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`): "Glory," "honor," "reputation." This relates to the aspect of εὐσχήμων that refers to social standing and public esteem.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts**:
* ἀσχημονεῖν (aschēmonein, `{{G807}}`): "To act improperly," "to behave indecently."
* ἀσχημοσύνη (aschēmosynē, `{{G808}}`): "Indecency," "shameful behavior," "impropriety." These terms highlight the antithesis of εὐσχήμων, emphasizing disorder, shame, and unseemly conduct.
The cluster of these terms underscores a consistent biblical emphasis on order, decency, and honorable conduct, both individually and corporately, within the Christian life.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐσχήμων is multifaceted, touching upon Christian ethics, ecclesiology, and witness.
1. **Christian Conduct and Ethics**: The call to live εὐσχημόνως is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship. It implies that faith in Christ should manifest not only in internal transformation but also in an outward life characterized by decorum, dignity, and moral propriety. This "walking properly" ([[Romans 13:13]]) sets believers apart from the world's disorder and sensuality, reflecting the holiness and order of God. It is a practical outworking of sanctification, demonstrating that the Christian life is not chaotic but structured by divine principles.
2. **Ecclesiology and Church Order**: In [[1 Corinthians 12:23-24]], εὐσχήμων is crucial for understanding the functioning of the church as the body of Christ. Paul's argument is that even the "less honorable" or "unpresentable" members are to be given "greater honor," ensuring that the entire body presents itself with decency and dignity. This teaches mutual respect, the valuing of all members, and the maintenance of an orderly and honorable assembly. The church, as God's visible representation, must embody order and decorum in its internal life and public worship, reflecting the character of a God who is not a God of confusion but of peace ([[1 Corinthians 14:33]]).
3. **Witness to the World**: Living εὐσχήμων contributes significantly to the church's witness. When believers conduct themselves with propriety and honor, it serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. Such a life contrasts sharply with the world's often chaotic and immoral norms, inviting inquiry and demonstrating the beauty and order inherent in God's design for humanity. The respectability gained from such conduct can open doors for the Gospel, as seen in the prominent individuals who were initially incited against Paul ([[Acts 13:50]]) or Joseph of Arimathea's standing which allowed him access to Pilate ([[Mark 15:43]]).
In essence, εὐσχήμων underscores that Christian living is not merely about internal piety but also about external manifestation. It calls believers to embody God's order and beauty in every aspect of their lives, for their own good, for the edification of the church, and for the glory of God in the world.
### Summary
The Greek word εὐσχήμων (euschḗmōn, `{{G2158}}`), derived from "well" and "form," denotes that which is "well-formed," leading to meanings of "decorous," "honorable," "proper," and "respectable." Its usage in the New Testament highlights two primary applications: describing individuals of high social standing and reputation ([[Mark 15:43]], [[Acts 13:50]]), and more broadly, emphasizing proper, decent, and orderly conduct or presentation ([[Romans 13:13]], [[1 Corinthians 7:35]]). In the context of the church as Christ's body, it speaks to the importance of all members contributing to the "presentable" and dignified appearance of the whole ([[1 Corinthians 12:23-24]]). Theologically, εὐσχήμων underscores the biblical call for believers to live lives characterized by dignity, order, and propriety, reflecting God's nature and serving as a compelling witness to the world. It is a reminder that Christian faith impacts not only our inner being but also our outward demeanor and the collective life of the community of faith.
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