from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of a compound of ἐπί and αἰσχύνομαι; not ashamed, i.e. irreprehensible: --that needeth not to be ashamed.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anepaíschyntos**, represented by `{{G422}}`, means **not ashamed** or irreprehensible. It appears only **1 time** in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The word is formed from a negative particle and a term for shame, signifying a state of confidence that comes from being found without fault.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G422}}` is found in [[2 Timothy 2:15]], where it describes the ideal state of a minister of the gospel. The verse exhorts a believer to be "a **workman** that needeth not to be **ashamed**." In this context, the quality of being unashamed is the direct result of being "approved unto God" and skillfully and correctly handling "the word of truth." It is not merely a feeling, but an objective status of a worker whose labor has been tested and found acceptable.
### Related Words & Concepts
The surrounding words in its only appearance clarify the meaning of `{{G422}}`:
* `{{G4704}}` **spoudázō** (study): This word means "to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest." It sets up the diligent action required to become a workman who is unashamed [[2 Timothy 2:15]].
* `{{G3936}}` **parístēmi** (shew): Meaning "to stand beside, i.e. (transitively) to exhibit, proffer... present," this highlights the goal of presenting oneself acceptably before God [[2 Timothy 2:15]].
* `{{G1384}}` **dókimos** (approved): Defined as "acceptable (current after assayal), i.e. approved," this describes the quality of a person who has been tested and validated by God [[2 Timothy 2:15]].
* `{{G2040}}` **ergátēs** (workman): This term means "a toiler; figuratively, a teacher." It identifies the role of the one who need not be ashamed as a laborer in God's service [[2 Timothy 2:15]].
* `{{G3718}}` **orthotoméō** (rightly dividing): Meaning to "dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message)," this specifies the precise task that leads to being an approved and unashamed workman [[2 Timothy 2:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G422}}` is centered on the integrity of a believer's service to God.
* **The Result of Diligence:** The state of being unashamed is presented as the outcome of a specific instruction: "Study" or "be diligent" `{{G4704}}`. It is an earned confidence rooted in effort and faithfulness.
* **The Standard of Approval:** To be a workman "that needeth not to be ashamed" is to be "approved" `{{G1384}}` unto God. This connects the absence of shame directly to meeting a divine standard, not a human one.
* **Grounded in Truth:** This confidence is explicitly tied to the act of "rightly dividing the word of truth" `{{G3718}}`. Therefore, theological and scriptural accuracy is the basis for a worker's irreprehensible standing before God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G422}}` offers a concise yet profound goal for a believer. Though appearing just once, it encapsulates the ideal of a servant of God whose diligent labor and correct handling of scripture result in a state of being "approved" and consequently having no reason for shame. It is a powerful illustration of how faithful work, particularly in teaching the word, leads to a validated and confident standing before God.
TRV