εὐσχήμων (euschēmōn)
euschēmōn
proper
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective euschēmōn describes something or someone that is graceful, shapely, or becoming in appearance and conduct. Derived from roots meaning "good" and "figure" or "shape," it originally carried an aesthetic sense of elegance. In the New Testament, this physical beauty is applied to social propriety, referring to what is decent and fitting for a person’s station.
The word appears in five verses, with its usage shifting between moral decorum and social status. Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 12:24 to describe how God gives greater honor to the parts of the body that seem less honorable, ensuring proper balance. In 1 Corinthians 7:35, he advises that his instructions are for the believers’ own profit, aiming at what is seemly and helps them serve the Lord without distraction.
Later passages apply the term to social standing rather than moral behavior. Mark 15:43 identifies Joseph of Arimathea as an honorable council member who was waiting for the kingdom of God, while Acts 17:12 notes that many prominent Greek women and men of high status believed the message. Translators often render it as "honorable" or "respectable" in these contexts to capture its weight regarding influence and wealth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euschēmōn points to what is fitting, graceful, and becoming. It bridges the gap between outward appearance and inner character, suggesting that true decency reflects a harmony between who we are and how we act. In the body of Christ, this concept reminds us that every member has a role designed by God, contributing to the overall health and beauty of the community.
When Paul uses this term in 1 Corinthians, he highlights how God gives greater honor to those parts of the body that might seem less significant. This challenges our natural tendency to value status or visible success above all else. Instead, it invites us to see dignity in humility and to recognize that every person, regardless of their station, holds a place of importance in God’s design.
Similarly, when describing Joseph of Arimathea or the prominent believers in Acts, the word underscores that true respectability is found in one’s relationship with God and willingness to serve. It encourages us to live in a way that is consistent with our faith, ensuring that our actions bring honor to those around us and reflect the grace we have received.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- prominent2×
- the presentable [parts]1×
- a prominent1×
- [is] seemly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὔσχημον1×
- εὐσχήμων1×
- εὐσχήμονας1×
- εὐσχήμονα1×
- εὐσχημόνων1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 12:24
while our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part,
Paul uses this word to explain how God intentionally gives extra honor to weaker body parts, correcting human pride by showing that dignity comes from divine design rather than social status.
-
Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God’s Kingdom, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.
The term identifies Joseph of Arimathea as a man of standing who used his influence to boldly request Jesus’ body, demonstrating that true prominence is shown in faithful action during crisis.
-
Acts 17:12
Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men.
This verse highlights that among the many believers were prominent Greek women and men, showing that the gospel elevates and dignifies individuals from all levels of society.