εὐσχημοσύνη
euschēmosýnē
G2157 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Respectability or propriety, especially in conduct or appearance; denotes a fitting, dignified, or honorable behavior or quality. In various contexts, it can refer to external decorum, social respectability, or an inner sense of propriety and honorable conduct, especially aligned with social and communal norms.
Semantic Range
propriety, decorum, respectability, decency, becoming behavior, moral appropriateness, outward comeliness, fitting appearance
Root / Etymology
From εὐσχήμων (well-formed, respectable, proper in conduct or bearing) with the abstract noun suffix -σύνη, which forms quality nouns. Thus, εὐσχημοσύνη literally means 'the state or quality of being proper, decorous, or becoming.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὐσχημοσύνη appears as a quality applied both to outward appearance (comeliness, gracefulness, or stylishness) and to behavior, emphasizing an appropriate or socially approved manner. In later Greek, especially in Hellenistic and Koine contexts, the focus of the term shifts more toward moral and ethical propriety—'decorum' as fitting social, religious, or communal expectation. In the New Testament (e.g., Colossians 3:22), it is used with respect to honorable or respectful conduct in the context of community relationships. Traditional English translations often render it with terms like 'comeliness,' 'propriety,' or 'decency,' but these may not capture its full nuance, which includes both external and internal conformity to what is appropriate or honorable. Related Greek concepts include αἰδώς (a sense of shame/respect), σεμνότης (dignity), and κόσμιος (orderly/respectable). εὐσχήμων (the adjective) provides the idea of 'well-shaped' or 'becoming'—a blend of physical and ethical 'fittingness.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὐσχήμων; decorousness:--comeliness.
Root Family
εὐσχημοσύνη (euschēmosýnē) — propriety, decorum, respectability, dignity, moral appropriateness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2157-01 |
εὐσχημοσύνην | euschemosunen | N ACC F SG |
comeliness | propriety | propriety | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2157-01 |
1 Corinthians 12:23 | εὐσχημοσύνην | euschemosunen | N ACC F SG |
comeliness | propriety | propriety |