ἐπαισχύνομαι (epaischunomai)
epaischunomai
be ashamed of
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epaischunomai describes a deep sense of shame or embarrassment, often arising from a fear of disgrace rather than mere guilt. In the New Testament, it appears nine times, with significant weight in Paul’s letters to Timothy and in the Gospels. The word carries the force of being put to shame or feeling mortified by a situation, reflecting a strong emotional response to dishonor.
Its usage varies depending on context. Mark 8:38 and Luke 9:26 warn that those who are ashamed of Jesus will face divine judgment, highlighting a relational fear of disgrace. Conversely, Romans 1:16 and 2 Timothy 1:8 express confidence, showing that the apostles are not ashamed of the gospel or Christ’s message. This contrast reveals that the word can describe both a paralyzing fear of human opinion and a rejected stance when one stands firm in faith.
The term is built from a prefix implying "upon" or "over" and a root meaning shame, suggesting an overwhelming feeling of disgrace. Translators typically render it as "ashamed," capturing the personal sting of dishonor. The sources note its use with direct objects, such as being ashamed of people or things, which underscores the specific focus of the embarrassment. This lexical precision helps readers understand the intensity of the emotional state described in these biblical passages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epaischunomai points to a heavy feeling of shame or embarrassment. In the New Testament, it often describes a fear of disgrace that can paralyze believers. Jesus warns in Mark 8:38 that hiding from Him leads to divine judgment. This warning highlights how human opinion can sometimes overshadow our loyalty to Christ. It is a sobering reminder that silence in the face of truth carries a cost.
Yet, this same word also appears in moments of bold confidence. Paul writes in Romans 1:16 that he is not ashamed of the Good News. He knows the gospel is God’s power for salvation. This contrast shows us two paths: one driven by fear of people, and another rooted in trust in God. When we stand firm in faith, shame loses its grip because our hope rests in Christ alone.
For those facing hardship, Paul reminds Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:12 that he is not ashamed, knowing whom he has believed. This assurance comes from trusting God’s ability to keep what we have committed to Him. You are invited to rest in this same confidence, letting go of fear and holding fast to the truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will be ashamed of2×
- you may be ashamed of1×
- you are ashamed?1×
- shall be ashamed of1×
- may have been ashamed of1×
- is ashamed of1×
- he was ashamed of,1×
- I am ashamed;1×
- I am ashamed of1×
- He is ashamed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπαισχύνεται2×
- ἐπαισχυνθῇ2×
- ἐπαισχυνθήσεται2×
- ἐπαισχύνομαι·1×
- ἐπαισχύνομαι1×
- ἐπαισχύνθη,1×
- ἐπαισχύνεσθε;1×
- ἐπαισχυνθῇς1×
Key Verses
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Mark 8:38
For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
This verse uses the word to warn that denying Christ will result in Him denying the denier at His return.
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Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
Paul declares he is not ashamed of the gospel because it reveals God's power for salvation.
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II Timothy 1:12
For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.
Paul expresses confidence in God’s ability to guard his trust despite suffering imprisonment.
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Hebrews 2:11
For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers,
This verse shows Christ is not ashamed to call believers brothers, highlighting our shared humanity and redemption.