αἰσχύνη (aischunē)
aischunē
shame
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aischunē refers to the feeling of shame or the state of disgrace itself. It captures both the internal sense of humiliation and the external reality of dishonor that brings confusion. In the New Testament, this word appears in just six verses, carrying a weightier tone than common terms for embarrassment.
Its usage shifts depending on context. In Luke 14:19, it describes the subjective feeling of shame felt by those who make excuses to avoid an invitation. Conversely, Philippians 3:19 uses it objectively to label a way of life as something worthy of disgrace. Hebrews 12:2 highlights Jesus enduring the cross by disregarding this very sense of shame.
The word derives from a root meaning "disgrace" or "shameful deed." This connection explains why Jude 13 uses the plural form to describe actions that are inherently shameful. Translators often render it simply as "shame," though the Greek implies a deeper loss of honor and reputation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aischunē points to a deep sense of disgrace or humiliation. In Luke 14:9, Jesus uses it to describe the social embarrassment of being asked to move to a lower seat at a banquet. This captures how shame can strip away our dignity and leave us feeling exposed before others.
Yet the New Testament offers a different perspective through Hebrews 12:2. Here, Jesus is described as despising the shame of the cross. He did not let the fear of disgrace stop Him from fulfilling His mission. This shows that true honor comes from faithfulness to God, not from human approval.
For your daily life, this word invites you to look away from the fear of what others think. When you face criticism or failure, remember that Jesus endured the ultimate shame for your sake. You are accepted by God regardless of how the world judges you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shame3×
- shame,1×
- of shame1×
- [its] shame1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰσχύνης3×
- αἰσχύνῃ1×
- αἰσχύνη1×
- αἰσχύνας,1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 12:2
looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
This verse shows Jesus actively despising the shame of the cross to accomplish salvation, setting the ultimate example for believers.
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Luke 14:9
and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, ‘Make room for this person.’ Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place.
Here the word describes the specific social humiliation of being publicly demoted in status at a feast.
-
II Corinthians 4:2
But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Paul contrasts his ministry with those who hide behind deceit, stating he renounces the hidden things associated with shame.