ἀσχήμων (aschēmōn)
aschēmōn
indecent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective aschēmōn describes something that is unseemly, indecent, or lacking in proper form. Derived from a negative prefix and a root related to shape or figure, it literally suggests a lack of due appearance or decorum. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church.
Paul uses it to address physical weakness or ugliness within the body of Christ, arguing that such parts are indispensable and deserve special honor (1 Corinthians 12:23). The term highlights a social reality where certain members might be overlooked due to their lack of aesthetic appeal, yet Paul insists these "uncomely" elements are essential to the whole.
This usage reflects a broader biblical pattern where physical inadequacy is not dismissed but elevated through divine purpose. By valuing what society deems shapeless or unattractive, the passage challenges cultural standards of beauty and status, affirming that every member holds inherent worth regardless of outward appearance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aschēmōn describes what is unseemly or lacking in proper form. In its only New Testament appearance, Paul uses it to discuss parts of the body that society might overlook or consider less honorable. He does not dismiss these parts but instead argues they deserve special honor and modesty.
This teaching invites us to value people who may feel invisible or inadequate. It reminds us that every member of the community holds inherent worth, regardless of outward appearance or social status. God’s design often elevates what the world deems weak or unattractive.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- unpresentable [parts]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀσχήμονα1×