ἐντροπή (entropē)
entropē
shame
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun entropē denotes a state of shame or disgrace, appearing only twice in the New Testament within First Corinthians (6:5; 15:34). Its literal sense derives from the root tropē, meaning "turn," combined with en ("in"), suggesting a turning away or a reversal of fortune that results in humiliation. In these passages, Paul uses the term to describe the profound dishonor brought upon the community when believers fail to resolve disputes among themselves or remain ignorant of divine truths.
While the word can occasionally carry a nuance of reverence or respect in classical Greek literature, the biblical usage focuses squarely on the negative experience of being shamed. The sources indicate that this meaning aligns with its appearance in the Septuagint, where it translates Hebrew terms for disgrace, such as in Psalm 35:26. Here, the concept is not merely about feeling embarrassed but reflects a public loss of standing or reputation.
Translators typically render entropē as "shame" to capture this weighty social and spiritual consequence. The word’s rarity in the New Testament highlights its specific rhetorical power; Paul employs it to shock his readers into recognizing how their behavior contradicts their identity, turning what should be a source of pride into a cause for public embarrassment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word entropē points to a deep sense of disgrace that comes when we fail to live up to our shared values. In the early church, this was not just personal embarrassment but a public loss of standing within the community. Paul used this strong language to remind believers that their actions reflect on their entire identity in Christ.
When disputes arise or we remain ignorant of God’s ways, it brings shame upon the body of believers. This is not about feeling bad for its own sake, but about recognizing how our behavior impacts others. It invites us to examine our hearts and seek wisdom that honors God and restores unity among friends.
May this understanding encourage you to pursue peace and knowledge in your relationships. Let it inspire a desire to act with integrity, so that your life brings honor rather than disgrace to those who know you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shame1×
- [the] shame1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐντροπὴν2×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 6:5
I say this to move you to shame. Isn’t there even one wise man among you who would be able to decide between his brothers?
Paul uses this term to challenge the Corinthians to find internal wisdom for resolving disputes, highlighting how external litigation shames their community.
-
I Corinthians 15:34
Wake up righteously and don’t sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
Here the word serves as a sobering wake-up call against sin and ignorance of God, urging moral correction through the weight of communal dishonor.