ἐντρέπω carries the dual notion of turning toward someone with deference or turning inward with a sense of proper shame. In Scripture it speaks either of reverent regard (respect) or of restorative embarrassment (shame that leads to correction). Both ideas share the moral instinct that honors rightful authority and recoils from dishonor.

Respect for Covenant Representatives (Parable Usage)

Matthew 21:37; Mark 12:6; Luke 20:13 place the verb on the lips of the landowner: “They will respect my son.” In redemptive history the son points unmistakably to Jesus Christ, the ultimate envoy of the Father. The verb underlines the covenant obligation Israel owed to God’s messengers and climactically to His Son. Their failure to “respect” exposes the depth of human rebellion and justifies divine judgment.

Moral Bankruptcy Exposed (Luke 18:2,4)

Jesus’ portrait of the unjust judge—“who neither feared God nor respected men”—uses ἐντρέπω to illustrate utter moral collapse. A society devoid of vertical fear of God and horizontal respect for people sits under divine critique. The widow’s persistence, by contrast, models a faith that still believes justice can be found even in a corrupt system—a pointer to the righteous Judge who will “bring about justice for His elect speedily” (Luke 18:8).

Parental Discipline and Filial Reverence (Hebrews 12:9)

“Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them.” The verse bridges earthly family structures and the believer’s relationship with “the Father of spirits.” Biblical parenting aims at nurturing a conscience capable of ἐντρέπω—healthy awe, prompt obedience, and self-correction. The writer argues from the lesser to the greater: if fallible fathers obtain respect through loving discipline, the perfect Father merits unreserved submission.

Apostolic Correction versus Destructive Shaming (1 Corinthians 4:14)

“I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.” Paul distinguishes between manipulative humiliation and pastoral admonition. ἐντρέπω here is the former—an end in itself. The apostle instead seeks repentance motivated by love. God-honoring ministry does not weaponize shame; it employs exhortation that restores dignity while exposing sin.

Church Discipline and the Goal of Redemptive Shame (2 Thessalonians 3:14; Titus 2:8)

In the congregational sphere ἐντρέπω functions medicinally.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:14: public disassociation aims “so that he may be ashamed,” driving the disorderly brother back to obedience.
• Titus 2:8: exemplary speech and conduct are intended “so that those who oppose us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.”

Both passages show corrective shame operating within clear gospel parameters—never for personal vindictiveness but for restoration and the church’s witness.

Patterns of Authority and Mutual Regard

Across its nine occurrences the verb weaves a biblical tapestry of ordered relationships:

1. God → Son (Parable tenants)
2. Son’s delegates → covenant people (prophets, apostles)
3. Parents → children (Hebrews 12:9)
4. Civil and ecclesial authorities → believers (Thessalonian discipline)
5. Believers → hostile observers (Titus 2:8)

Where God’s design is honored, respect flourishes; where it is flouted, shame becomes necessary for realignment.

Pastoral and Discipleship Implications

• Cultivate environments where rightful honor is freely given—homes, churches, workplaces.
• Exercise discipline that produces godly grief leading to repentance, not paralyzing disgrace.
• Model speech that deprives opponents of legitimate criticism, thereby turning potential slander into self-induced shame.
• Anchor all authority structures in the character of God; respect rendered to human agents ultimately honors Him.

Christological Fulfillment

The tenants’ refusal to ἐντρέπω the son anticipates the cross and vindicates the risen Lord. Those who now “turn toward” (respect) the Son receive life; those who refuse face the shame of final judgment. The verb thus invites every reader to decide: Will I turn in reverence to the Beloved Son, or will I be turned back in everlasting shame?