### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀσχημοσύνη (aschēmosýnē, `{{G808}}`) is derived from the adjective ἀσχήμων (aschēmōn, `{{G809}}`), which signifies "unseemly," "indecent," or "unbecoming." Consequently, ἀσχημοσύνη denotes the quality or state of being unseemly, indecency, or shame. Its semantic range encompasses:
1. **Indecency or Impropriety**: A departure from what is proper, honorable, or decorous, particularly in conduct or appearance.
2. **Shameful Act**: An action that is inherently disgraceful or morally offensive.
3. **Pudenda (by implication)**: In some contexts, it can metonymically refer to the private parts of the body, the exposure of which would be considered shameful.
The core idea conveyed is a lack of decorum, a violation of modesty, or an offense against established moral or social norms of propriety.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀσχημοσύνη (aschēmosýnē, `{{G808}}`) appears in two significant contexts within the New Testament, each revealing distinct facets of its meaning:
1. **[[Romans 1:27]]**: "and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts (ἀσχημοσύνην) and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error." Here, ἀσχημοσύνη is used to describe homosexual acts. The context is a theological exposition of humanity's rebellion against God, leading to moral degradation. The term "indecent acts" (ἀσχημοσύνην) in this verse is not merely a social impropriety but a profound moral perversion, explicitly linked to a rejection of God's created order for human sexuality. It signifies a behavior that is fundamentally contrary to nature and divine design, resulting in inherent shame and God's judgment.
2. **[[Revelation 16:15]]**: "Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his garments, lest he walk about naked and men see his shame (ἀσχημοσύνην)." In this eschatological warning, ἀσχημοσύνη refers to literal nakedness and the associated shame. The imagery is metaphorical, urging believers to maintain spiritual vigilance and purity ("keep his garments") so as not to be found spiritually unprepared or exposed ("naked") at Christ's return. To be seen in one's "shame" (ἀσχημοσύνην) implies being revealed in a state of spiritual vulnerability, unrighteousness, or unreadiness, leading to disgrace before God and others.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἀσχημοσύνη is enriched by its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **ἀσχήμων (aschēmōn, `{{G809}}`)**: The adjective from which ἀσχημοσύνη is derived, meaning "unseemly" or "indecent."
* **ἀσχημονέω (aschēmonéō, `{{G807}}`)**: The related verb, meaning "to act unbecomingly" or "to behave indecently." This verb is famously used in [[1 Corinthians 13:5]] where it is stated that love "does not act unbecomingly" (οὐκ ἀσχημονεῖ), highlighting that genuine love always maintains proper conduct and respect.
* **αἰσχύνη (aischynē, `{{G152}}`)**: A broader term for shame, disgrace, or dishonor. While ἀσχημοσύνη often refers to the *cause* or *manifestation* of shame through indecent behavior, αἰσχύνη can denote the feeling of shame or the state of disgrace itself.
* **γυμνότης (gymnotēs, `{{G1132}}`)**: Nakedness, which in biblical thought is frequently associated with shame, vulnerability, or exposure, as seen in the context of [[Revelation 16:15]].
* **πρεπω (prepō, `{{G4241}}`)**: To be fitting, proper, or becoming. This word represents the positive antithesis to ἀσχημοσύνη, emphasizing conduct that is appropriate and honorable.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀσχημοσύνη is profound, touching upon divine order, human sin, and the call to holiness:
* **Violation of Divine Order**: In [[Romans 1:27]], ἀσχημοσύνη is not merely a social faux pas but a grave moral offense that violates God's established order for creation and human relationships. It underscores the severity of sin that distorts and perverts God's design, leading to spiritual and moral degradation.
* **Consequence of Spiritual Unpreparedness**: In [[Revelation 16:15]], the "shame" (ἀσχημοσύνη) associated with spiritual nakedness serves as a stark warning. It highlights the dire consequences of spiritual complacency and unreadiness for Christ's return, where one's true, unrighteous state will be exposed, leading to disgrace before God.
* **Contrast to Christian Conduct**: The broader semantic field, particularly the verb ἀσχημονέω (`{{G807}}`) in [[1 Corinthians 13:5]], emphasizes that Christian love (agapē) inherently avoids anything unbecoming or indecent. This implies that believers are called to a life characterized by propriety, modesty, and respect, reflecting the holiness and order of God. Christian conduct should always be honorable and bring glory to God, standing in stark contrast to the indecency denoted by ἀσχημοσύνη.
* **Call to Purity and Holiness**: The presence of ἀσχημοσύνη in the biblical text implicitly calls believers to pursue purity, modesty, and holiness in all aspects of life—thoughts, words, and deeds—recognizing that God is a God of order, not disorder, and that His people are to reflect His character.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀσχημοσύνη (G808) encapsulates the concept of indecency, unseemliness, or shame, derived from its root meaning "unbecoming." Its biblical occurrences reveal its deep theological implications. In [[Romans 1:27]], it describes profoundly immoral and unnatural sexual acts, signifying a grave perversion of God's created order and a manifestation of humanity's rebellion against divine design. In [[Revelation 16:15]], it refers to the shame of spiritual nakedness and unpreparedness, serving as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and highlighting the disgrace of being found unrighteous before God. The broader semantic context, including the verb ἀσχημονέω (`{{G807}}`) in [[1 Corinthians 13:5]], underscores that true Christian love and conduct must be characterized by propriety and decorum, standing in direct opposition to anything indecent or shameful. Thus, ἀσχημοσύνη identifies actions and states that violate divine order, moral purity, and spiritual readiness, serving as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the imperative for believers to live lives of holiness and honor.
TRV