Definition and Context:
Shaming refers to the act of subjecting someone to humiliation or disgrace, often publicly, as a means of punishment or correction. In biblical times, shaming could occur in various forms, including verbal rebuke, public exposure of sin, or social ostracism. The concept of shaming is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is often associated with sin, repentance, and restoration.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, shaming is frequently linked to the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's commandments. For instance, in the book of Proverbs, shaming is used as a corrective measure: "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother" (Proverbs 10:1). Here, the shame brought upon the family by a foolish son serves as a warning against folly.

The prophets also spoke of shame as a result of Israel's unfaithfulness. In Jeremiah 3:25, the people confess, "Let us lie down in our shame, and let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day. We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God" . This acknowledgment of shame is a step toward repentance and reconciliation with God.

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, shaming is addressed in the context of church discipline and personal conduct. Jesus Himself experienced shame during His crucifixion, as described in Hebrews 12:2: "For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" . This passage highlights the redemptive aspect of Christ's suffering and the ultimate victory over shame.

The Apostle Paul discusses shaming in the context of church discipline in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, where he instructs the church to expel a member living in blatant sin, thereby bringing shame upon him with the hope of eventual repentance and restoration. Paul also warns against shaming others in a way that is unloving or hypocritical, as seen in Romans 2:1-3, where he cautions against judging others while committing the same sins.

Theological Implications:
Shaming in the Bible serves as both a warning against sin and a call to repentance. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability within the community of believers. However, biblical shaming is not meant to be an end in itself but a means to bring about repentance and restoration. The ultimate goal is reconciliation with God and the community, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), where the son's shame leads to repentance and a joyful reunion with his father.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to approach shaming with caution and grace, recognizing the potential for both harm and healing. While it is important to address sin and uphold righteousness, it must be done in a spirit of love and humility, always seeking the restoration of the individual. As Paul advises in Galatians 6:1, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted" . This approach ensures that shaming serves its intended purpose within the framework of Christian love and community.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Shame.

Matt. vi. 1
... For as above He set forth publicans and heathens, by the quality of the person
shaming their imitators, so also in this place the hypocrites. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xix matt vi 1.htm

Rules for visits, Exorcisms, and How People are to Assist the Sick ...
... And in these things let us occupy ourselves, [419] without giving offence, and let
us not do anything with partiality or for the shaming of others, but let us ...
/.../two epistles concerning virginity/chapter xii rules for visits exorcisms.htm

2 Cor. x. 1, 2
... himself beseecheth; but that other is greater which he added, saying, "by the meekness
and gentleness of Christ." For with the wish of greatly shaming them, he ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 2 cor x.htm

2 Cor. xii. 16-18
... gain [1017] of you?' He did not say, Did any one receive aught from you?' but he
calls the things unfair gain;' attacking them and shaming them exceedingly ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxviii 2 cor xii.htm

Christ's Kindred
... that may be, our Lord here, with a singular mixture of dignity, tenderness, and
decisiveness, puts aside the insidious snare without shaming its contrivers ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs kindred.htm

2 Cor. xiii. 10
... xiii.2, 3.) Since then he had said these things and more besides, terrifying, shaming,
reproaching, lashing them, he says, in excuse for all, "For this cause I ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxx 2 cor xiii.htm

If the Head had not Been Right, --Haply the Members had Murmured ...
... say that for the multitude,"force and the rod should govern it;"even as for the
thief fear,"and for the spoiler threatening,"and for fools open shaming ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xv if the head.htm

Ephesians iv. 7-Apr
... one body, and yet not one Spirit; as, for instance, if any member of it should be
a friend of heretics: or else he is, by this expression, shaming them into ...
/.../homily xi ephesians iv 7-apr.htm

Succession of Philosophers in Greece.
... prophets of the Greeks he attributes something of the truth, and is not ashamed,
[1953] when discoursing for the edification of some and the shaming of others ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv succession of philosophers in.htm

The Praises of Martyrdom.
... his love, which he conspicuously shows with thankfulness, in being united to what
is allied to him, and besides by his precious blood, shaming the unbelievers. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iv the praises of martyrdom.htm

Shaming (6 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Shame. Multi-Version Concordance Shaming (6 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians
11:21 I say this by way of shaming ourselves, as if we had been feeble. ...
/s/shaming.htm - 8k

Shamir (4 Occurrences)

/s/shamir.htm - 9k

Contempt (55 Occurrences)
... turned away, it is not possible for their hearts to be made new a second time; because
they themselves put the Son of God on the cross again, openly shaming him ...
/c/contempt.htm - 23k

Shamhuth (1 Occurrence)

/s/shamhuth.htm - 6k

Openly (52 Occurrences)
... turned away, it is not possible for their hearts to be made new a second time; because
they themselves put the Son of God on the cross again, openly shaming him ...
/o/openly.htm - 21k

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)
... of our work, (BBE). 2 Corinthians 11:21 I say this by way of shaming ourselves,
as if we had been feeble. But if anyone puts himself ...
/o/ourselves.htm - 38k

Puts (197 Occurrences)
... on the face. (BBE RSV). 2 Corinthians 11:21 I say this by way of shaming
ourselves, as if we had been feeble. But if anyone puts ...
/p/puts.htm - 36k

Shame (412 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS RSV NIV). 2 Corinthians 11:21 I say this by way of shaming ourselves,
as if we had been feeble. But if anyone puts himself ...
/s/shame.htm - 43k

Forward (252 Occurrences)
... smite you; (See NIV). 2 Corinthians 11:21 I say this by way of shaming ourselves,
as if we had been feeble. But if anyone puts himself ...
/f/forward.htm - 42k

Talking (208 Occurrences)
... confidence of boasting. (See NIV). 2 Corinthians 11:21 I say this by way of
shaming ourselves, as if we had been feeble. But if anyone ...
/t/talking.htm - 33k

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