καταισχύνω

kataischýnō /kat-ahee-skhoo'-no/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κατά and αἰσχύνομαι
Meaningto shame down, i.e. disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush
KJV usageconfound, dishonour, (be a-, make a-)shame(-d).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word kataischýnō, represented by G2617, means to shame down, disgrace, or put to the blush. It appears 18 times across 12 unique verses in the Bible. The term carries the weight of not just personal embarrassment but also public dishonor and being proven wrong in one's confidence.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G2617 is used to express both a divine promise and a human consequence. A recurring promise is that the one who believeth on him shall not be ashamed or confounded (Romans 9:33, Romans 10:11, 1 Peter 2:6). This confidence is rooted in a hope that does not disappoint Romans 5:5. The word also describes God's method of subverting human wisdom, as He has chosen the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise and the mighty 1 Corinthians 1:27. In a practical sense, it is used to warn against actions that dishonour one's head 1 Corinthians 11:4-5 or shame fellow believers within the church 1 Corinthians 11:22.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which shame and honor operate:

  • G1680 elpís (hope): This is the foundation of a believer's confidence, a hope which "maketh not ashamed" Romans 5:5.
  • G4100 pisteúō (to have faith): The act of believing is presented as the prerequisite for not being put to shame Romans 9:33.
  • G1586 eklégomai (to select): This describes God's action of choosing the weak and foolish to confound the world's wise and strong 1 Corinthians 1:27.
  • G480 antíkeimai (adversary): This term identifies those who are put to shame by divine works and truth Luke 13:17.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2617 is significant, highlighting key principles of the Christian faith.

  • Vindication through Faith: The word underscores the assurance of salvation. Those who place their faith in Christ are promised they will not be ultimately disgraced or put to shame on the day of judgment (Romans 10:11, 1 Peter 2:6).
  • The Divine Reversal: It is a cornerstone of the biblical theme that God's economy operates in opposition to the world's. He intentionally confounds human strength and wisdom with what is perceived as weakness and foolishness to display His own power 1 Corinthians 1:27.
  • Corporate Honor: The term is applied to the life of the church, where actions can either bring honor or shame to the community and its members, particularly in how believers treat one another 1 Corinthians 11:22.

Summary

In summary, G2617 is a powerful word that contrasts worldly honor with divine vindication. It serves as both a comfort and a warning: a comfort to those who believe, assuring them that their hope will not be confounded, and a warning against behavior that brings dishonour within the community of faith. Ultimately, it points to a reality where God's values overturn human pride, and true confidence is found only in Him.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Future Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 2×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 1st Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Imperfect Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 12 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in 1 Corinthians (4 verses).

1
Luke
3
Romans
4
1 Corinthians
2
2 Corinthians
2
1 Peter

Verse Explorer

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