Lexical Summary anepaischuntos: Unashamed, not ashamed Original Word: ἀνεπαίσχυντος 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/epais 422/anepais [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 Originfrom 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: ἀνεπαίσχυντοςἀνεπαίσχυντος, 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). 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). Ministerial Application • Scriptural Mastery: Accurate handling of the word prevents doctrinal shame. 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. Forms and Transliterations ανεπαισχυντον ανεπαίσχυντον ἀνεπαίσχυντον anepaischunton anepaischynton anepaíschyntonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |