### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun αἰσχύνη (aischýnē, `{{G152}}`) is derived from the verb αἰσχύνομαι (aischýnomai, meaning "to be ashamed" or "to put to shame"). Its core meaning encompasses both the subjective *feeling* of shame and the objective *state* or *cause* of disgrace or dishonor. The semantic range extends from an internal sense of humiliation or embarrassment to an external condition of ignominy or reproach. It can refer to a moral disgrace, an act of impropriety, or the resulting public dishonor. The concept often carries an ethical weight, implying a deviation from what is honorable or fitting. In some contexts, it can even denote "dishonesty" or "disgraceful conduct," as indicated in the base definition, pointing to actions that are inherently shameful.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term αἰσχύνη appears several times in the New Testament, revealing various facets of its meaning:
* **Subjective Shame:** In [[Luke 14:9]], Jesus' parable illustrates the feeling of shame: "And he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with *shame* to take the lowest place." Here, αἰσχύνη denotes the personal humiliation experienced when one's presumption is exposed.
* **Objective Disgrace/Dishonor:** [[Hebrews 12:2]] speaks of Jesus' endurance: "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the *shame*, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." The "shame" here refers to the public disgrace, humiliation, and ignominy associated with crucifixion, a form of execution reserved for the lowest criminals. Jesus "despised" or disregarded this shame, focusing instead on the joy of accomplishing redemption.
* **Moral Depravity/Disgraceful Conduct:** [[Philippians 3:19]] describes those whose "god is their belly, and their *glory is in their shame*, with minds set on earthly things." This is a stark paradox, highlighting the profound moral perversion of those who find pride and honor in that which is inherently shameful or morally debased. Their "shame" refers to their licentious behavior and earthly pursuits. Similarly, [[2 Corinthians 4:2]] speaks of renouncing "disgraceful, underhanded ways" (τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης, literally "the hidden things of shame"), indicating actions that are morally reprehensible and would bring disgrace if exposed.
* **Spiritual Nakedness/Lack of Righteousness:** In [[Revelation 3:18]], the Laodicean church is advised to buy "white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the *shame of your nakedness* may not be seen." This "nakedness" is spiritual, representing a lack of righteousness and spiritual poverty, which is a source of shame before God.
* **Manifestation of Wickedness:** [[Jude 13]] describes false teachers as "wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own *shame*." Here, αἰσχύνη refers to the disgraceful deeds and character of these individuals, which are openly displayed like foam on the waves.
### Related Words & Concepts
αἰσχύνη is closely related to its verbal root αἰσχύνομαι (aischýnomai, `{{G153}}`), meaning "to be ashamed" or "to put to shame." Another related term is αἰσχρός (aischrós, `{{G150}}`), an adjective meaning "shameful," "base," or "disgraceful."
Antonymously, αἰσχύνη stands in direct opposition to concepts of honor and glory, particularly δόξα (dóxa, `{{G1391}}`, "glory, honor") and τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`, "honor, value"). The contrast is evident in passages like [[Philippians 3:19]], where "glory" is paradoxically found "in their shame," or in [[Hebrews 12:2]], where Jesus despises "shame" to attain "glory."
Other related concepts include:
* ἀτιμία (atimía, `{{G819}}`): dishonor, disgrace, ignominy. While similar, ἀτιμία often emphasizes the lack of honor or status, whereas αἰσχύνη highlights the moral or social opprobrium.
* ἐντροπή (entropē, `{{G1791}}`): a turning away, a sense of shame that can lead to repentance.
* ἁμαρτία (hamartia, `{{G266}}`): sin, which is the ultimate cause of spiritual shame.
### Theological Significance
The concept of αἰσχύνη is profoundly theological. It first appears in the human experience after the Fall, when Adam and Eve realize their nakedness and hide from God, a primordial experience of shame ([[Genesis 3:7-10]]). Sin inherently brings spiritual nakedness and disgrace before a holy God.
The New Testament highlights a crucial distinction between worldly shame and divine perspective. What the world considers glorious (e.g., self-sufficiency, material wealth) may be a source of spiritual shame before God ([[Revelation 3:17-18]]). Conversely, what the world deems utterly shameful (e.g., the cross of Christ) is, in God's economy, the ultimate display of glory and power ([[Hebrews 12:2]]). Jesus' willingness to endure the cross's shame underscores His complete obedience and the depth of His redemptive love, transforming the symbol of ultimate disgrace into the emblem of ultimate victory.
For believers, a healthy sense of shame can be a catalyst for repentance and humility, leading to a turning away from sin. However, the New Testament also warns against those who have lost all sense of shame, "glorying in their shame" ([[Philippians 3:19]]), which signifies a hardened heart and profound moral depravity. Through Christ, believers are clothed in His righteousness, and their spiritual nakedness and shame are covered, allowing them to stand unashamed before God ([[Revelation 3:18]]). Christ bore our shame so that we might share in His glory and inherit true honor.
### Summary
αἰσχύνη (aischýnē, `{{G152}}`) signifies both the internal feeling of shame and the external state or cause of disgrace. It is deeply rooted in the human experience of sin, which brings spiritual nakedness and dishonor before God. The New Testament contrasts worldly shame, which can be a source of perverse pride, with the divine perspective, where the cross's shame becomes the pinnacle of glory. Through Christ's endurance of ultimate shame, believers are delivered from their own spiritual disgrace and clothed in righteousness, enabling them to stand honorably before God. The concept serves as a powerful reminder of sin's consequences and God's transformative grace.
TRV