Lexical Summary aischros: disgraceful, improper, sordid Original Word: αἰσχρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance filthy. From the same as aischunomai; shameful, i.e. Base (specially, venal) -- filthy. see GREEK aischunomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as aischunó Definition shameful NASB Translation disgraceful (2), improper (1), sordid (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 150: αἰσχρόςαἰσχρός, (ά, (from αἶσχος baseness, disgrace), base, dishonorable: 1 Corinthians 11:6; 1 Corinthians 14:35; Ephesians 5:12; Titus 1:11. Topical Lexicon Root Sense and Moral Weight The word translated “shameful” or “disgraceful” signals conduct that falls beneath the divine standard of honor. In Scripture the idea of shame is not merely social embarrassment but exposure before God’s holiness. Every occurrence of Strong’s 150 therefore diagnoses a spiritual disorder that must be corrected for the church to reflect Christ’s glory. Usage in Pauline Correspondence Paul employs the term four times, each setting unveiling a different arena where shame can infiltrate Christian life: • 1 Corinthians 11:6 addresses personal appearance in gathered worship: “But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.” The apostle links outward symbols with inward submission, identifying uncovered or shorn heads as actions that publicly dishonor God-ordained order. • 1 Corinthians 14:35 moves from appearance to speech: “For it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church.” Again the issue is not the worth of women’s voices (cf. Acts 18:26) but the preservation of peace and propriety in the assembled body. Disorderly speaking undermines the reverence due to God. • Ephesians 5:12 widens the scope to society at large: “For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.” Believers safeguard holiness by refusing to celebrate or even rehearse deeds that revolt heaven; exposure of darkness is accomplished by light, not lurid fascination (Ephesians 5:13). • Titus 1:11 confronts ministry motives: “They must be silenced, for the sake of dishonest gain they undermine entire households by teaching what they should not.” Here “shameful” moves from action to incentive—covetous teachers exploit the flock for profit, bringing reproach on the gospel. Shame and Honor in First-Century Culture In the Greco-Roman world public honor framed identity. Scripture redeems that framework by rooting honor in God’s evaluation, not human applause. Actions labeled αἰσχρός therefore offend the ultimate Patron—Yahweh—and invite covenantal censure rather than mere social scorn. Paul’s converts, steeped in honor-shame values, would feel the moral weight immediately. Implications for Worship Order Both Corinthian passages situate “shameful” inside the assembly. Worship that disregards God’s patterns—be it through immodest appearance or unregulated speech—ceases to glorify Christ. The term thus guards the sanctity of corporate gatherings, insisting that reverence must shape every visible and audible expression. Implications for Speech and Teaching Ephesians 5:12 warns that careless words can normalize evil. The church resists by naming sin when necessary yet refusing to sensationalize it. Titus 1:11 shows that shameful motives corrupt doctrine itself. Sound teaching flows from pure hearts; greed breeds heresy. Elders must therefore model transparent integrity, lest the word “dishonest gain” attach to the ministry and discredit the gospel. Warnings Against Shameful Gain The pastoral epistles repeatedly link false teaching with monetary exploitation (1 Timothy 6:3-10; 2 Peter 2:3). Strong’s 150 intensifies the warning: profiteering off truth is not merely unwise but disgraceful before God. Modern ministries remain susceptible—whether through prosperity distortions or subtle self-promotion—and must heed Paul’s vocabulary of shame. Application for Contemporary Ministry 1. Examine Motives: Pastors and teachers regularly audit financial and personal ambitions in light of Titus 1:11. Summary Strong’s Greek 150 spotlights behaviors and motives unworthy of saints. Whether in appearance, speech, secrecy, or financial dealings, the Spirit calls the church to renounce every disgrace and to walk in the blameless honor secured by the cross of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations αισχρον αἰσχρόν αἰσχρὸν αισχρου αἰσχροῦ aischron aischrón aischròn aischrou aischroûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 11:6 Adj-NNSGRK: εἰ δὲ αἰσχρὸν γυναικὶ τὸ NAS: but if it is disgraceful for a woman INT: if [it be] moreover shameful to a woman 1 Corinthians 14:35 Adj-NNS Ephesians 5:12 Adj-NNS Titus 1:11 Adj-GNS Strong's Greek 150 |
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