αἰσχρός (aischros)
aischros
shameful
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective aischros describes something that is shameful, disgraceful, or morally base. Its root relates to shame itself, marking actions or behaviors that bring dishonor rather than glory. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, consistently applied to conduct that violates social or spiritual propriety.
Paul uses this word to highlight specific sins in his letters. He notes in Ephesians 5:12 that some things are so shameful it is wrong even to speak of them, while in Titus 1:11 he links the term to those who disrupt households with base teachings. The word also appears in Corinthians regarding social norms and public appearance.
Unlike general terms for evil, aischros carries a strong sense of public disgrace. It points to actions that are inherently dishonorable, reflecting a failure to uphold the dignity expected in Christian community. Translators typically render it as "shameful" or "disgraceful," preserving its focus on the social and moral stain of the act.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aischros points to actions that bring deep shame or disgrace, marking behavior that violates moral and social propriety. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, consistently highlighting conduct that brings dishonor rather than glory. Paul uses this term to address specific sins, such as those done in secret which are so shameful they should not even be spoken of (Ephesians 5:12). This word reminds us that our actions have a social and spiritual weight, affecting how we are perceived and how we honor God.
Understanding aischros helps us recognize the importance of living with integrity and dignity. It calls us to avoid behaviors that bring shame to ourselves and to the community of faith. By reflecting on what is truly honorable, we can cultivate a life that reflects God's glory and respects others. This awareness encourages us to pursue righteousness and to be mindful of how our choices impact those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shameful2×
- of shameful1×
- disgraceful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰσχρὸν2×
- αἰσχρόν1×
- αἰσχροῦ1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 5:12
For it is a shame even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
This verse highlights the severity of certain sins by stating that even speaking of them is shameful, emphasizing their hidden and disgraceful nature.
-
I Corinthians 14:35
if they desire to learn anything. “Let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a wife to be talking in the assembly.”
Here, the word is used to describe behavior considered inappropriate in a public assembly, linking it to social order and respect within the church.
-
Titus 1:11
whose mouths must be stopped: men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain’s sake.
The term connects shameful teaching to disruptive behavior that undermines households for dishonest gain, showing how false doctrine can lead to moral decay.