In biblical literature, the concept of blushing is often associated with feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment. The act of blushing is a physiological response that manifests as a reddening of the face, typically due to emotional stimuli. In the context of the Bible, blushing is mentioned as a sign of moral consciousness and awareness of sin.

Biblical References:

One of the primary references to blushing in the Bible is found in the book of Jeremiah. The prophet Jeremiah laments the moral decay and shamelessness of the people of Judah. In Jeremiah 6:15 , it is written: "Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. Therefore, they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD." This passage highlights the absence of blushing as an indication of a hardened heart and a lack of repentance.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 8:12 , the prophet reiterates this sentiment: "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore, they will fall among the fallen; in the time of their punishment, they will collapse, says the LORD." Here, the inability to blush is equated with a loss of moral sensitivity and an unwillingness to acknowledge wrongdoing.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, blushing can be seen as an outward expression of an inward conviction. It signifies an awareness of sin and a recognition of falling short of God's standards. The absence of blushing, as depicted in the aforementioned passages, suggests a seared conscience and a society that has become desensitized to sin.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of shame and the need for repentance are recurring themes. The prophets often called the people of Israel to return to God with contrite hearts, acknowledging their transgressions. Blushing, in this sense, can be viewed as a step towards repentance, as it reflects an acknowledgment of guilt and a desire for reconciliation with God.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, blushing was likely understood similarly to how it is perceived today—as a natural response to feelings of shame or embarrassment. The biblical authors used this common human experience to convey spiritual truths about the condition of the heart and the importance of maintaining a sensitive conscience.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

The biblical emphasis on blushing as a sign of moral awareness serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a tender heart towards sin. In a world where moral relativism can lead to a diminished sense of right and wrong, the biblical call to "know how to blush" challenges believers to remain vigilant in their spiritual walk, continually seeking to align their lives with God's will.

In summary, the concept of blushing in the Bible is intricately linked to themes of shame, repentance, and moral consciousness. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual state of individuals and communities, urging them to remain sensitive to sin and responsive to God's call for holiness.1. (v. i.) To become suffused with red in the cheeks, as from a sense of shame, modesty, or confusion; to become red from such cause, as the cheeks or face.

2. (v. i.) To grow red; to have a red or rosy color.

3. (v. i.) To have a warm and delicate color, as some roses and other flowers.

4. (v. t.) To suffuse with a blush; to redden; to make roseate.

5. (v. t.) To express or make known by blushing.

6. (n.) A suffusion of the cheeks or face with red, as from a sense of shame, confusion, or modesty.

7. (n.) A red or reddish color; a rosy tint.

2617. kataischuno -- to curse vehemently
... From kata and aischunomai; to shame down, ie Disgrace or (by implication) put to
the blush -- confound, dishonour, (be a-, make a-)shame(-d). see GREEK kata. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2617.htm - 6k

3385. meti -- can this be? (interrog. particle expecting a neg. ...
... 3385 (from 3361 , "not" and 5101 , "") - properly, , " on first blush (reaction)" --
while keeping "the " to elicit from the listener (reader). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3385.htm - 7k

3637. kalam -- to be humiliated
... root Definition to be humiliated NASB Word Usage ashamed (6), bear her shame (1),
blush (2), brought us to dishonor (1), confounded (1), disgraced (1 ...
/hebrew/3637.htm - 6k

2659. chapher -- to be abashed or ashamed
... The same as chaphar through the idea of detection): to blush; figuratively, to be
ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach -- be ashamed, be ...
/hebrew/2659.htm - 6k

The Crimson Blush of Morning Glows
... MORNING The crimson blush of morning glows. tr., John Brownlie 8.8.8.8. I. The crimson
blush of morning glows. On towering peaks where clouds repose,. And, lo! ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/the crimson blush of morning.htm

The Crimson Blush of Morning Glows
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCH The crimson blush of morning glows. 8,8,8,8. The crimson
blush of morning glows. On towering peaks where clouds repose; And, lo! ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/the crimson blush of morning.htm

Man's Disobedience Justly Requited in the Rebellion of his Own ...
... Book I. Chapter 7 [VI.]"Man's Disobedience Justly Requited in the Rebellion of His
Own Flesh; The Blush of Shame for the Disobedient Members of the Body. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 7 vi mans disobedience justly.htm

Of the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which the Platonists ...
... Book X. Chapter 29."Of the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Which
the Platonists in Their Impiety Blush to Acknowledge. You ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 29 of the incarnation of.htm

Before Proceeding Farther, Let the Question of Custom Itself be ...
... chosen which keeps virgins veiled, as being known to God alone; who (besides that
glory must be sought from God, not from men [284] ) ought to blush even at ...
/.../on the veiling of virgins/chapter ii before proceeding farther let.htm

Argument: the Charge of Our Entertainments Being Polluted with ...
... Temperate. In Fact, Incestuous Lust is So Unheard Of, that with Many Even
the Modest Association of the Sexes Gives Rise to a Blush. ...
/.../felix/the octavius of minucius felix/chapter xxxi argument the charge of.htm

Letter L to Geoffrey, of Lisieux
... Perhaps you blush to return, because you gave way for an hour. Blush, indeed,
for your flight, but do not blush to return to the ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter l to geoffrey of.htm

The Shame of Nakedness.
... he knows God to be the author of nature and the ordainer of marriage, to have
intercourse even with his wife in any one's sight, or not to blush at those ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 33 the shame of nakedness.htm

Psalm LXX.
... 4. "Let them be turned away backward and blush that think evil things to me"
(ver.2). At first there was the assault of them persecuting, now there hath ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxx.htm

Shame on Account of God's Displeasure.
... If an insolent enemy were to spit in the face of a slain foe, the dead man might
almost be expected to blush or to rise and avenge the insult. ...
/.../dods/how to become like christ/shame on account of gods.htm

Blush (16 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) To have a warm and delicate color, as some roses and other flowers. 4.
(vt) To suffuse with a blush; to redden; to make roseate. ...Blush (16 Occurrences). ...
/b/blush.htm - 11k

Disgraced (25 Occurrences)
... Ezra 9:6 and I said, my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my
God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our guiltiness is ...
/d/disgraced.htm - 13k

Ashamed (131 Occurrences)
... shame" (Latin, pudere), with derivatives occurs 80 times; kalam, "to shame," including
the thought of "disgrace," "reproach"; chapher, "to blush": hence shame ...
/a/ashamed.htm - 42k

Stumble (89 Occurrences)
... nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall
fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast ...
/s/stumble.htm - 34k

Visitation (17 Occurrences)
... nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they
fall among those who fall; in the time of their visitation they shall be cast ...
/v/visitation.htm - 15k

Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... 6. (a.) Being a virgin; chaste; of or pertaining to a virgin; becoming a virgin;
maidenly; modest; indicating modesty; as, a virgin blush. ...
/v/virgin.htm - 64k

Guiltiness (7 Occurrences)
... Ezra 9:6 and I said, my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my
God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our guiltiness is ...
/g/guiltiness.htm - 8k

Iniquities (59 Occurrences)
... Ezra 9:6 and I said, my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my
God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our guiltiness is ...
/i/iniquities.htm - 25k

Forgettest (6 Occurrences)
... Fear not, for thou art not ashamed, Nor blush, for thou art not confounded, For
the shame of thy youth thou forgettest, And the reproach of thy widowhood Thou ...
/f/forgettest.htm - 8k

Ruddy (5 Occurrences)
... 16:12; 1 Samuel 17:42 Genesis 25:25 the Revised Version margin), 'adhom (Songs
5:10); verbs 'adham (Lamentations 4:7), and eruthriao, "to blush" (Additions to ...
/r/ruddy.htm - 8k

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