ἐντρέπω

I turn to confusion, put to shame, reverence

Definition

The verb ἐντρέπω (entrepō) carries two primary senses in the New Testament. In its active voice, it means 'to turn to confusion' or 'to put to shame,' describing the act of causing someone to feel disgrace or dishonor, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:14 where Paul writes to admonish, not to shame. In its middle voice, the meaning shifts to 'to reverence,' 'to respect,' or 'to regard with deference,' focusing on the subject's internal attitude. This sense is prominent in the parable of the unjust judge, who initially 'had no regard' for God or man (Luke 18:2, 4). The word thus bridges concepts of external shame and internal respect, depending on its grammatical form and context.

Biblical Usage

ἐντρέπω is used 9 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Pauline epistles. In the Gospels, it appears in parables (Matthew 21:37; Mark 12:6; Luke 20:13) and narratives (Luke 18:2, 4) to depict a lack of reverence or respect, often from those in authority. Paul uses it in his letters to the Corinthians, Thessalonians, and Titus. In 1 Corinthians 4:14, he uses the active voice to clarify his intent is not to shame but to warn. In 2 Thessalonians 3:14 and Titus 2:8, the middle voice is used to instruct believers to regard or respect communal discipline and sound teaching, showing its application in early church life.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, meaning 'in') and the root τρέπω (trepō, meaning 'to turn'), ἐντρέπω literally means 'to turn in' or 'to turn upon.' This root idea of an inward turning evolved into the figurative meanings of turning someone inward in shame or turning oneself inward in respect. The connection between physical turning and emotional or moral reorientation is key to understanding its semantic range from shame to reverence.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the biblical connection between shame, honor, and reverence within relationships—both human and divine. The middle voice sense of 'reverence' touches on the proper fear of God and respect for authority, which are foundational to biblical ethics. Understanding the distinction between the active voice (imposing shame) and middle voice (feeling respect) enriches reading, revealing whether a passage is about external correction (as in church discipline in 2 Thessalonians 3:14) or internal attitude (as in the parable in Luke 18:2). It underscores that godly relationships are built not on humiliation but on mutual respect and reverence for God's order.

In the Greco-Roman world, honor and shame were central cultural values. To 'put to shame' (active voice) was a serious social sanction, damaging one's public standing. Conversely, to 'show reverence' (middle voice) was expected toward social superiors, gods, and societal norms. Jesus' parables often subvert this context, showing figures like the unjust judge (Luke 18:2) failing in this basic cultural duty, thereby highlighting their moral bankruptcy. The cultural weight of shame makes Paul's careful use in 1 Corinthians 4:14 pastorally significant, as he avoids leveraging cultural shame unnecessarily.

αἰσχύνω (aischynō, G153) — focuses more intensely on the feeling of disgrace or dishonor itself. ἐντρέπομαι (entrepomai, middle of G1788) — the middle/passive form, specifically meaning 'to feel reverence or shame for oneself.' τιμάω (timaō, G5091) — means 'to honor' or 'value,' emphasizing positive esteem rather than the reverential fear or regard in ἐντρέπω.

Word Details

Scripture References