422. anepaischuntos
Lexical Summary
anepaischuntos: Unashamed, not ashamed

Original Word: ἀνεπαίσχυντος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: anepaischuntos
Pronunciation: an-ep-ah'-ee-skhoon-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (an-ep-ah'-ee-skhoon-tos)
KJV: that needeth not to be ashamed
NASB: does not need to be ashamed
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of a compound of G1909 (ἐπί - over) and G153 (αἰσχύνομαι - ashamed)]

1. not ashamed, i.e. irreprehensible

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
unashamed, that needeth not to be ashamed.

From a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of a compound of epi and aischunomai; not ashamed, i.e. Irreprehensible: --that needeth not to be ashamed.

see GREEK a

see GREEK epi

see GREEK aischunomai

HELPS Word-studies

422 anepaísxyntos (from 1 /A "not" and 1870/epaisxynomai, "ashamed") – properly, not ashamed, because having discharged needed responsibility which appropriately accomplishes what God assigns (note the prefix, epi).

422/anepaisxyntos ("not disgraced"), used only in 2 Tim 2:15, refers to the (positive) result of being a good interpreter of Scripture.

[422 (anepaísxyntos) is a rare word and "very seldom occurs in the ancient world. It does not appear in classical Greek at all" (CBL).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and epaischunomai
Definition
not to be put to shame
NASB Translation
does not need to be ashamed (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 422: ἀνεπαίσχυντος

ἀνεπαίσχυντος, ἀνεπαίσχυντον (alpha privative and ἐπαισχύνω) (Vulg.inconfusibilis), hating no cause to be ashamed: 2 Timothy 2:15. ((Josephus, Antiquities 18, 7, 1); unused in Greek writings (Winer's Grammar, 236 (221)).)

Topical Lexicon
Core Idea

Describing a believer whose life and labor stand the divine test so completely that no sense of disgrace clings to him—a worker “who does not need to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Canonical Occurrence (2 Timothy 2:15)

Paul exhorts Timothy to diligent, disciplined service in the gospel. The term characterizes a craftsman who sets before God a finished product free from flaws. Timothy must exhibit that same blameless quality in doctrine and conduct.

Shame and Honor in Scripture

• Old Testament saints often plead, “Let me not be put to shame” (Psalm 25:20). Salvation brings honor; sin brings disgrace (Proverbs 13:5).
• Isaiah foretells a day when Israel “will never again be put to shame” (Isaiah 45:17).
• The New Testament intensifies the theme: “I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16); “hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). The idea culminates in the risen Christ, “who is not ashamed to call them brothers” (Hebrews 2:11).

Pauline Emphasis in the Pastoral Letters

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus repeatedly pair sound doctrine with sound living. In 2 Timothy 2:15 the apostle links the two: the unashamed worker both teaches accurately and lives consistently, unlike the false teachers who “have wandered from the truth” (2 Timothy 2:18).

Historical and Cultural Setting

In the Greco-Roman world, honor and shame governed public life. Orators, soldiers, and artisans labored under the eye of patrons who rewarded excellence and shamed failure. Paul borrows that social currency but shifts the audience: God Himself is the approving Patron.

Theological Significance

1. Eschatological: Final approval at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).
2. Christological: The believer’s honor derives from union with the unashamed Christ (Hebrews 11:16).
3. Ecclesiological: Leaders must model integrity so the church “will not be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6-7).
4. Missional: Unashamed service adorns the gospel, removing obstacles to faith (Titus 2:10).

Ministerial Application

• Scriptural Mastery: Accurate handling of the word prevents doctrinal shame.
• Moral Purity: Personal holiness guards against scandal.
• Diligent Labor: “Make every effort” underscores energetic persistence, not casual ministry.
• God-Orientation: The ultimate audience is God, not public opinion.

Early Church Reception

Second-century writers echoed Paul’s charge. Ignatius urged Polycarp to be “approved of God” in teaching, while the Didache insists that prophets must be “true and approved.” The verse guided catechesis, establishing standards for clergy examination.

Contemporary Discipleship

Believers today, whether in pulpit, marketplace, or home, pursue lives free of cause for reproach. Regular self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28), accountability in community (James 5:16), and persevering study of Scripture cultivate an unashamed stance.

Summary Themes

• God seeks workmanship, not showmanship.
• The absence of shame is the presence of fidelity.
• Final approval motivates present diligence.

Forms and Transliterations
ανεπαισχυντον ανεπαίσχυντον ἀνεπαίσχυντον anepaischunton anepaischynton anepaíschynton
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Timothy 2:15 Adj-AMS
GRK: θεῷ ἐργάτην ἀνεπαίσχυντον ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν
NAS: as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling
KJV: a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
INT: to God a workman not ashamed straightly cutting the

Strong's Greek 422
1 Occurrence


ἀνεπαίσχυντον — 1 Occ.

421
Top of Page
Top of Page