αἰσχρός
aischrós
G150 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Shameful, disgraceful, morally or socially base; refers to that which causes or is marked by shame, dishonor, or moral offensiveness. Most commonly used of actions, behaviors, speech, or things regarded as improper, unethical, or indecent by prevailing standards. May also connote physical unattractiveness or unsightliness in some contexts.
Semantic Range
shameful, disgraceful, morally base, indecent, dishonorable, improper, socially offensive, unattractive
Root / Etymology
From the same root as αἰσχύνομαι ('to be ashamed'), which derives from αἶσχος, meaning 'shame' or 'disgrace.' The root relates broadly to concepts of dishonor and social disapproval in Greek thought.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, αἰσχρός referred to anything considered disgraceful, ugly, or dishonorable, whether in appearance, speech, or conduct. It was a common term in ethical discussions among philosophers, contrasting with καλός ('noble, honorable, beautiful'), as in the dichotomy καλὸν καὶ αἰσχρόν ('the noble and the shameful'). In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, αἰσχρός continued to denote what was offensive or improper in moral, social, or aesthetic terms (see, e.g., LXX Sirach 23:15). In the New Testament, the term appears rarely (e.g., Ephesians 5:12; Titus 1:11), typically to describe speech or gain as disgraceful or morally repugnant, emphasizing social and ethical violation rather than ceremonial impurity. Standard English translations ('shameful,' 'filthy,' 'base') often underrepresent the connection with public shame and social norms intrinsic to the Greek term. The semantic opposition to καλός is important for understanding ethical discourse in Greco-Roman contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as αἰσχύνομαι; shameful, i.e. base (specially, venal):--filthy.
Root Family
αἰσχ- (aischrón) — shame, disgrace, ugliness, impropriety
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G150-01 |
αἰσχρὸν | aischron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
a shame | shameful | shameful | 3 |
G150-02 |
αἰσχροῦ | aischrou | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
filthy | of what is shameful | of shameful | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G150-01 |
1 Corinthians 11:6 | αἰσχρὸν | aischron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
a shame | shameful | shameful |
G150-01 |
1 Corinthians 14:35 | αἰσχρὸν | aischron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
shameful | shameful | shameful |
G150-01 |
Ephesians 5:12 | αἰσχρόν | aischron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
disgraceful | shameful | shameful |
G150-02 |
Titus 1:11 | αἰσχροῦ | aischrou | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
filthy | of what is shameful | of shameful |