Entrepo (ἐντρέπω) carries two related but distinct meanings: (1) to put to shame or cause embarrassment, used in Paul's pastoral letters when he writes 'I am not writing this to shame [entrepo] you' (1 Corinthians 4:14); and (2) to show reverence or respect, as in the parable of the tenants where the vineyard owner says, 'They will respect [entrepo] my son' (Matthew 21:37). These meanings are linked by the concept of 'turning toward' — either turning red with shame or turning with deference.
The double meaning of entrepo illuminates a theological dynamic: true respect and holy shame are connected. The vineyard owner's expectation that the tenants would 'reverence' his son reflects the natural order of honor that the wicked tenants violated. Paul's pastoral use — 'not to shame, but to admonish' — shows a father's heart that seeks transformation rather than humiliation. The author of Hebrews (12:9) applies this to discipline: we respected (entrepo) our earthly fathers, how much more should we submit to the Father of spirits?