ἐπαισχύνομαι

I am ashamed

Definition

ἐπαισχύνομαι means 'to be ashamed' or 'to feel shame,' often in the sense of being ashamed of someone or something, or feeling shame for one's own actions. In the New Testament, it carries both a negative sense of being ashamed of something that should not be a source of shame (like being ashamed of Christ or the gospel, as in Mark 8:38 and Romans 1:16) and a positive sense of rightly feeling shame for sinful actions (as in Romans 6:21, where shame is a proper response to past sin). The word implies a strong emotional and social discomfort, often tied to public perception or divine judgment.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 9 times in the New Testament, primarily in the writings of Paul (Romans, 2 Timothy) and the Gospels (Mark, Luke). It is used in two key contexts: first, in exhortations against being ashamed of Christ or the gospel (Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26, Romans 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:8, 1:12, 1:16), and second, in describing the shame that rightly accompanies sin (Romans 6:21). In Hebrews 2:11, it uniquely describes Christ not being ashamed to call believers brothers, highlighting identification without shame.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'in relation to') and the verb αἰσχύνομαι (aischynomai, meaning 'to be ashamed'). The prefix ἐπί intensifies the sense, often giving it a directional or relational focus—shame directed toward or felt in connection with a specific person, thing, or situation. Cognates include αἰσχύνη (aischynē, 'shame') and αἰσχρός (aischros, 'shameful').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on themes of discipleship, identity, and redemption. Not being ashamed of Christ (Mark 8:38) is central to Christian confession and witness, while feeling shame for sin (Romans 6:21) reflects conviction and repentance. In Romans 1:16, Paul's declaration 'I am not ashamed of the gospel' underscores its power for salvation, contrasting human weakness with divine strength. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the relational and public dimensions of shame in biblical faith.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, shame (αἰσχύνη) was a powerful social force tied to honor and public reputation. Being ashamed often involved fear of dishonor or rejection by one's community. For early Christians, confessing Christ risked social shame, persecution, or loss of status, making exhortations against shame (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:8) culturally urgent. This contrasts with some modern individualistic views of shame as merely private guilt.

αἰσχύνομαι (aischynomai, G153) — a simpler form meaning 'to be ashamed,' without the intensive relational focus of ἐπαισχύνομαι. καταισχύνω (kataischynō, G2617) — means 'to put to shame,' 'disgrace,' or 'dishonor,' often with a stronger sense of causing shame. ἐντρέπω (entrepo, G1788) — means 'to turn in on oneself,' often translated 'to respect' or 'to be ashamed,' focusing on inward reverence or awe.

Word Details

Scripture References