αἰδώς
aidṓs
G127 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A sense of respectful restraint or regard for what is honorable, manifesting as modesty, reverence, or a healthy sense of shame in social or religious contexts. Core meaning concerns inward regard that governs outward behavior, often connected to awareness of self in the eyes of others (modesty) or before the divine (reverence). Contextually, it can indicate: (1) modesty in demeanor or dress; (2) a feeling of respect or awe before God; (3) a sense of shame that functions to deter disgraceful behavior.
Semantic Range
modesty, sense of shame, reverence, awe, respectful restraint, propriety, humility, regard for social or religious norms
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: Uncertain. Not certainly derived from ἀ (negative particle) + εἴδω (to see/know), despite speculation. Traditionally linked to notions associated with 'not seeing' (i.e., downcast eyes), but the origin is debated and could represent a pre-Greek or non-transparent formation. No direct cognates in related Indo-European languages have been established with confidence.
Historical & Contextual Notes
αἰδώς is an ancient Greek term with earliest attestations in Homeric poetry, where it bears a broad range of meaning — most notably 'respect,' 'reverence,' and 'awe' — often marking the feeling that prevents wrongdoing due to regard for the opinions or authority of others (including gods). It is distinct from φόβος (phobos, 'fear'), as αἰδώς centers more on a positive, restraining sense of regard or dignity, rather than fright. In classical usage, αἰδώς can refer both to personal modesty (in terms of sexual propriety or humility) and to the respectful regard one owes to social norms, parents, elders, or deities. In Hellenistic literature and the Septuagint, αἰδώς continues with these connotations, frequently translating Hebrew terms related to 'shame,' 'honor,' or 'modesty.' In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:9), it refers primarily to modesty in behavior and attire, particularly for women, but is also used in the sense of a foundational virtue that prevents behavior bringing social or spiritual disgrace. English translation traditions often narrow its sense to 'shamefacedness' (as in the KJV) or 'reverence,' but in Greek thought, it is a positive inner quality closely tied to honor, respect, and social cohesion, not merely the feeling of embarrassment or negative shame. It never denotes embarrassment without moral dimension, but rather the kind of self-restraint and propriety that upholds social values and personal dignity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from Α (as a negative particle) and εἴδω (through the idea of downcast eyes); bashfulness, i.e. (towards men), modesty or (towards God) awe:--reverence, shamefacedness.
Root Family
αἰδώς (aidōs) — modesty, reverent restraint, sense of shame, respectful regard
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G127-01 |
αἰδοῦς | aidous | N GEN F SG |
shamefacedness | of modest restraint | modest restraint | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G127-01 |
1 Timothy 2:9 | αἰδοῦς | aidous | N GEN F SG |
shamefacedness | of modest restraint | modest restraint |