εὐσχημοσύνη (euschēmosunē)
euschēmosunē
propriety
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun euschēmosunē refers to propriety, decency, or comeliness in outward appearance and conduct. It describes a state of being well-formed or orderly, carrying connotations of modesty and decorum. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.
Paul uses it to address how the church should treat members who seem less honorable. He argues that these individuals deserve special respect and modesty (1 Corinthians 12:23). The term implies that social or spiritual worth is not always visible on the surface, and that proper behavior involves honoring those whom others might overlook.
Its root combines eu, meaning good or well, with schēma, meaning form or figure. This etymology highlights a focus on external presentation that reflects internal order. Translators often render it as "modesty" or "decently," emphasizing the ethical dimension of how believers present themselves and treat one another in community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euschēmosunē points to a quiet dignity in how we present ourselves and treat others. In Corinth, Paul noticed that the church naturally focused on the members who seemed most impressive or useful. He gently corrected this by urging them to give extra honor to those parts of the body that appeared less significant.
This teaches us that true decency is not about outward status but about recognizing inherent worth. When we choose to respect those whom society might overlook, we reflect a deeper order within the community of faith. It invites us to look past surface appearances and offer grace where it is least expected.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- decorum1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐσχημοσύνην1×