### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2617}}` (καταισχύνω, *kataischýnō*) is a compound formed from the preposition `{{G2596}}` (κατά, *kata*), meaning "down" or "against" and often functioning as an intensifier, and the verb `{{G153}}` (αἰσχύνω, *aischýnō*), meaning "to shame" or "disgrace." This etymological construction suggests a strong, decisive, or complete act of shaming. Its core meaning encompasses the act of bringing someone into disgrace, dishonor, or public contempt.
The semantic range of `{{G2617}}` includes:
1. **To put to shame, disgrace, dishonor:** This is the most direct meaning, implying an action that causes another to experience a profound sense of shame or humiliation.
2. **To confound, frustrate, disappoint:** In certain contexts, particularly when referring to hopes or expectations, it means to cause them to fail, thus leading to the shame of unfulfilled anticipation.
3. **To be ashamed:** In the passive voice, it signifies the experience of feeling shame or being put to the blush. This is often a consequence of one's actions or circumstances.
The intensive nature of κατά distinguishes `{{G2617}}` from the simpler `{{G153}}` (αἰσχύνω) or `{{G152}}` (αἰσχύνομαι, *aischýnomai*, "to be ashamed"). While αἰσχύνομαι describes the internal feeling of shame, `{{G2617}}` often denotes an external action that *produces* shame, or a more profound, often public, state of disgrace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G2617}}` appears 13 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles and 1 Peter. A significant pattern emerges in its usage, particularly concerning divine faithfulness:
* **Promise of Unwavering Hope (Romans, 1 Peter):** The most prominent usage of `{{G2617}}` is in the negative, asserting that those who trust in God or Christ will *not* be put to shame. This is seen in [[Romans 9:33]], [[Romans 10:11]], and [[1 Peter 2:6]], all of which quote or allude to [[Isaiah 28:16]] ("Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame"). This usage underscores the reliability of God's promises and the security of faith in Christ. Believers are assured that their hope and trust will not be disappointed, nor will they suffer the ignominy of having placed their faith in a false or unreliable object.
* **Divine Shaming of Human Wisdom/Strength (1 Corinthians):** In [[1 Corinthians 1:27]], Paul declares that God chose "the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Here, God is the active agent, deliberately using seemingly insignificant means to expose the inadequacy and pride of human wisdom and power. This is a divine act of confounding, demonstrating God's sovereignty and challenging human arrogance.
* **Public Disgrace and Order (1 Corinthians 11):** Paul uses `{{G2617}}` in the context of head coverings in [[1 Corinthians 11:4-5]]. A man praying with his head covered "dishonors his head," and a woman praying with her head uncovered "dishonors her head." This refers to a culturally understood public disgrace or violation of established social and spiritual order, bringing shame upon oneself and, by extension, upon those one represents (e.g., the husband for the wife, or Christ for the man).
* **Vindication and Lack of Disappointment (2 Corinthians 7:14):** Paul expresses joy that his boast about the Corinthians to Titus was not put to shame, meaning his confidence in them was vindicated and not disappointed. This reflects the "frustrate" or "disappoint" aspect of the word.
* **Disciplinary Shame (2 Thessalonians 3:14):** Here, Paul instructs the community to "note that person" who disobeys apostolic instruction and "do not associate with him, so that he may feel shame." The passive voice implies the intended outcome is for the disobedient individual to experience shame as a result of the community's withdrawal, leading to repentance.
Across these contexts, `{{G2617}}` consistently conveys a strong sense of disgrace, whether it is the avoided shame of faithful hope, the divine act of humbling pride, the cultural dishonor of inappropriate behavior, or the disciplinary shame intended to restore.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G152}}` (αἰσχύνομαι, *aischýnomai*): "to be ashamed," "to feel shame." While `{{G2617}}` often describes the *act* of shaming or the *state* of being shamed by an external force, αἰσχύνομαι focuses more on the internal emotional experience of shame.
* `{{G1788}}` (ἐντρέπω, *entrépō*): "to put to shame," "to cause to feel shame," but also "to respect" or "to have regard for." It shares the meaning of causing shame, often with the aim of correction or awakening.
* `{{G818}}` (ἀτιμάζω, *atimázō*): "to dishonor," "to treat contemptuously." This word focuses on the act of stripping someone of honor or treating them without respect, which can lead to shame.
* `{{G820}}` (ἀτιμία, *atimía*): "dishonor," "disgrace," "ignominy." This noun describes the state or condition of being dishonored or disgraced, which `{{G2617}}` can cause.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:** `{{G1392}}` (δοξάζω, *doxázō*, "to glorify") and `{{G5091}}` (τιμάω, *timáō*, "to honor") stand in stark contrast to `{{G2617}}`, representing the bestowal of honor and renown rather than disgrace.
* **Theological Concepts:** The concept of **hope** (especially `{{G1680}}`, ἐλπίς, *elpís*), **faith** (`{{G4102}}`, πίστις, *pístis*), **righteousness** (`{{G1343}}`, δικαιοσύνη, *dikaiosýnē*), **honor** (`{{G5092}}`, τιμή, *timē*), and **glory** (`{{G1391}}`, δόξα, *dóxa*) are often contrasted with or affirmed in relation to the presence or absence of `{{G2617}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2617}}` is profound, particularly in its negative formulations. The repeated assurance that "whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame" ([[Romans 9:33]]; [[Romans 10:11]]; [[1 Peter 2:6]]) is a cornerstone of New Testament theology.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and the Security of Salvation:** This declaration highlights God's absolute faithfulness and the unwavering security of the believer's hope in Christ. Unlike human hopes that can be dashed, or human trust that can be betrayed, faith placed in God through Christ will never lead to ultimate disappointment or disgrace. This promise guarantees that believers will not face condemnation or rejection when they stand before God, nor will their salvation prove to be a delusion.
2. **The Nature of True Honor:** The usage of `{{G2617}}` also redefines what truly constitutes honor and shame. From a divine perspective, human wisdom and strength, when elevated above God, are ultimately put to shame ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]]). Conversely, humility, faith, and obedience, though perhaps scorned by the world, lead to ultimate honor from God. The shame endured by Christ on the cross (though not explicitly using `{{G2617}}` for *His* shame, but related concepts) is transformed into glory, providing a paradigm for believers who may suffer for righteousness' sake.
3. **Ethical Implications for the Community:** The application of `{{G2617}}` in [[1 Corinthians 11:4-5]] and [[2 Thessalonians 3:14]] reveals its role in maintaining order and discipline within the Christian community. Actions that violate established norms or apostolic instruction can bring shame upon individuals or the collective, serving as a catalyst for self-reflection and repentance. This underscores the importance of living in a manner that honors God and the body of Christ, avoiding behavior that would bring disgrace.
### Summary
`{{G2617}}` (καταισχύνω, *kataischýnō*) signifies "to put to shame," "to disgrace," or "to confound," often with an intensified sense of bringing down into ignominy. Its most significant theological contribution lies in the repeated affirmation that those who place their faith and hope in God through Christ will *never* be put to shame. This promise serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the absolute security of salvation. Conversely, it also describes God's act of humbling human pride and the disciplinary shame that can be experienced within the community for unrighteousness. Thus, `{{G2617}}` illuminates the contrast between the fleeting disgrace of human disappointment and the steadfast honor bestowed by a faithful God.
TRV