αἰσχρότης (aischrotēs)
aischrotēs
obscenity
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aischrotēs refers to actions or speech that are shameful, indecent, or morally base. Derived from the adjective aischros, it describes behavior that violates social and ethical standards of decency. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Ephesians 5:4.
Paul uses it to list things that have no place among believers, grouping it with foolish talk and crude joking. The term carries a strong sense of moral filthiness, suggesting that such conduct is not merely poor taste but fundamentally dishonorable. It stands in direct contrast to the gratitude and holiness expected of Christians.
Translators typically render this word as "obscenity" or "shameful things." The singular occurrence in Scripture highlights its severity; it is not a minor flaw but a serious violation of the integrity required in Christian community. The word underscores the call to purity in both speech and action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aischrotēs points to speech or actions that are morally base and shameful. Paul places it alongside foolish talk in Ephesians 5:4, showing that such language has no place among believers. It is not just poor taste; it is a violation of the decency expected in Christian community.
This reminder helps us guard our words. We are called to replace obscenity with gratitude. When we choose thanksgiving over shame, we reflect the holiness God desires for us. This simple shift honors God and builds up those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- filthiness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰσχρότης1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 5:4
nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate, but rather giving of thanks.
This verse explicitly lists aischrotēs as behavior inappropriate for believers, contrasting it with the proper response of giving thanks.