Strong’s Greek 1870 (ἐπαισχύνομαι / ἐπαισχύνεσθαι) describes the inner response of being embarrassed, disgraced, or reluctant to identify with someone or something. In Scripture it especially marks the tension between allegiance to Christ and the fear of public reproach. The term presumes a moral universe in which honor and shame are ultimately defined by God, not human opinion.

Old Testament Foundations

Greek translators of the Hebrew Bible often rendered בּוֹשׁ (bôsh, “to be ashamed”) with ἐπαισχύνομαι. Passages such as Psalm 25:2, 3 and Isaiah 45:17 display a covenant framework in which trust in the LORD shields from shame, while idolatry ends in humiliation. This background supplies the New Testament writers with a vocabulary that contrasts divine vindication with the emptiness of human approval.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Romans 1:16; 6:21
• Paul refuses to “be ashamed of the gospel” (1:16) because it is God’s power for salvation, setting the foundational Christian posture: bold witness rooted in divine efficacy.
• Believers look back with regret at sins “of which you are now ashamed” (6:21), illustrating conversion as a reversal of values.

2. 2 Timothy 1:8, 12, 16
• Timothy is exhorted, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (1:8).
• Paul testifies, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed” (1:12).
• Onesiphorus “was not ashamed of my chains” (1:16), embodying loyal fellowship amid persecution.

3. Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26
• “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words… the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him” (Mark 8:38). The eschatological reversal underscores that present allegiance to Christ determines future honor before the Father.

4. Hebrews 2:11; 11:16
• “Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.” His solidarity with believers rests on His sanctifying work, not their merit.
• God “is not ashamed to be called their God” (11:16) because faith-oriented pilgrims value the heavenly city; divine approval crowns persevering trust.

5. Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:12 show the positive side—confidence in God’s gospel and character removes shame. Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26 reveal the negative side—denial of Christ invites ultimate shame.

Christological Focus: Shame Transformed into Glory

The incarnate Son willingly embraced public disgrace—culminating in the cross—thereby subverting worldly honor codes (Hebrews 12:2). Believers share His path: present reproach for future glory. Because He is “not ashamed” to claim them, they need never retreat from identifying with Him.

Ecclesial and Historical Reception

Early Christian apologists appealed to Romans 1:16 to defend the gospel against cultural scorn. Martyr accounts repeatedly cite Mark 8:38, encouraging confessors to stand firm. Reformation preachers championed 2 Timothy 1:8, contrasting gospel boldness with ecclesiastical compromise.

Pastoral and Discipleship Implications

• Evangelism: Confidence in God’s power dispels fear of ridicule.
• Suffering: Association with persecuted believers reflects the honor code of the kingdom.
• Sanctification: Remembering past shame over sin fuels gratitude and moral vigilance.
• Worship: Celebrating a Savior unashamed of His people cultivates humility and assurance.

Eschatological Dimension

Final judgment will invert present cultural values. Faithful confessors receive honor; compromisers face shame before Christ’s glory (Mark 8:38). This future orientation equips the church to navigate an “adulterous and sinful generation” without capitulating to its approval standards.

Summary

ἐπαισχύνομαι frames the decisive choice between fearing human scorn and trusting divine honor. Across eleven New Testament occurrences, it calls believers to bold gospel witness, underscores Christ’s gracious identification with His people, and anticipates the coming reversal when true honor is revealed.