εὐσχήμων
euschḗmōn
G2158 restrictive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having good form or appearance; by extension, characterized by dignified, respectable, or honorable qualities. The primary sense relates to outward appearance—well-formed, comely or stately—but the term extends to describe people or actions considered decorous, noble, or socially esteemed. In some contexts, also used for persons of notable rank or social standing.
Semantic Range
well-shaped, comely, handsome; dignified, decorous; honorable, respectable, prominent, of notable rank or standing
Root / Etymology
From εὖ ('well') and σχῆμα ('form, shape, appearance'). The compound literally means 'well-shaped' or 'of good form,' and figuratively acquires connotations of dignity or social respectability.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὐσχήμων primarily denoted physical or outward comeliness, elegance, or stately bearing. Over time, particularly in Hellenistic and Koine usage, it frequently came to describe persons or actions marked by social decorum, honor, or high standing, with emphasis on respectable appearance or noble character rather than just physical appearance. In the New Testament (e.g., Mark 15:43), εὐσχήμων describes Joseph of Arimathea as 'a prominent council member'—that is, someone regarded as honorable or reputable in the civic-religious leadership of Judea. The term thus often carried both a sense of social rank and moral respectability, overlapping with (but not identical to) terms like σεμνός (venerable, dignified) or εὔδοξος (well-reputed). Standard English translations such as 'honorable,' 'respected,' or 'prominent' may not capture the word’s composite sense of visible dignity and social acceptance. Its application to individuals or actions also connoted adherence to prevailing standards of decorum and propriety.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὖ and σχῆμα; well-formed, i.e. (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank):--comely, honourable.
Root Family
εὐσχήμων (euschēmōn) — well-formed, dignified, reputable, notable
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2158-01 |
εὐσχήμων | euschemon | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
prominent | dignified | 2 |
G2158-03 |
εὐσχήμονας | euschemonas | ADJ.R ACC F PL |
prominent | well-formed women | 1 |
G2158-04 |
εὐσχημόνων | euschemonon | ADJ.R GEN F PL |
prominent | of dignified women | 1 |
G2158-02 |
εὐσχήμονα | euschemona | ADJ.S NOM N PL |
presentable | well-formed things | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2158-01 |
Mark 15:43 | εὐσχήμων | euschemon | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
prominent | dignified |
G2158-03 |
Acts 13:50 | εὐσχήμονας | euschemonas | ADJ.R ACC F PL |
prominent | well-formed women |
G2158-04 |
Acts 17:12 | εὐσχημόνων | euschemonon | ADJ.R GEN F PL |
prominent | of dignified women |
G2158-01 |
1 Corinthians 7:35 | εὔσχημον | euschemon | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
proper | dignified |
G2158-02 |
1 Corinthians 12:24 | εὐσχήμονα | euschemona | ADJ.S NOM N PL |
presentable | well-formed things |