ἀσχημοσύνη

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word aschēmosýnē, represented by G808, refers to indecency or shame. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term's base definition is "an indecency; by implication, the pudenda," which is translated in scripture as shame or that which is unseemly.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G808 is used in two distinct contexts to denote shamefulness. In Revelation, it is used metaphorically for the spiritual exposure of one who is not watchful: "lest he walk naked, and they see his shame" Revelation 16:15. In Romans, it describes actions that are morally improper, where men are described as "working that which is unseemly" as a result of leaving the natural use of the woman Romans 1:27.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the contexts in which G808 appears:

• G1131 gymnós (of uncertain affinity; nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative):--naked): This word is used in direct connection with G808 in Revelation 16:15, where walking naked results in one's shame being seen.
• G3715 órexis (from ὀρέγομαι; excitement of the mind, i.e. longing after:--lust): In Romans 1:27, this is the lust that men burned with, which led to them "working that which is unseemly" G808.
• G4106 plánē (feminine of πλάνος (as abstractly); objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety:--deceit, to deceive, delusion, error): This term appears in the same verse, Romans 1:27, identifying the "unseemly" act as connected to receiving a recompence for their error.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G808 centers on the consequences of spiritual and moral failure.

• Spiritual Exposure: In the context of eschatology, G808 represents the shame of being found spiritually unprepared and exposed at the coming of Christ. The warning is to keep one's garments to avoid this outcome Revelation 16:15.
• Moral Disorder: The term is also used to define actions that are a departure from what is natural. In Romans, "that which is unseemly" G808 is presented as an outward act stemming from internal lust and is itself a recompence for error Romans 1:27.

Summary

In summary, G808 is a focused term that conveys a strong sense of indecency and shame. Though used only twice, it powerfully illustrates two different types of disgrace: the public, spiritual shame of unpreparedness before God Revelation 16:15 and the inherent, moral unseemliness of actions that deviate from a natural use Romans 1:27. It functions as a sharp warning against both spiritual laxity and moral corruption.