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G2157 · Greek · New Testament
εὐσχημοσύνη
euschēmosynē
Noun, Feminine
Comeliness / decorum / propriety / proper behavior

Definition

The Greek noun euschēmosynē (εὐσχημοσύνη) means decorum, comeliness, propriety, honorable appearance, fitting behavior. From eu (good, well) and schēma (form, shape, figure), it refers to that which has good form — attractive in appearance, honorable in conduct. It appears once in the NT — 1 Corinthians 12:23 — in Paul's body theology.

Usage & Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 12:23 contains a striking reversal: "those parts of the body that we think less honorable we invest with greater honor (timēn), and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty (euschēmosynēn)." Paul's argument is that within the body of Christ, the socially "unimpressive" members receive special care and honor — because the body needs all its parts. We clothe and cover and dignify what the world might dismiss. This is the Kingdom economy of honor: the seemingly shameful parts receive euschēmosynē — they are treated with dignity precisely because they are essential. The body's coherence demands it. Every member of Christ's church — regardless of status, gift, or visibility — bears dignity worthy of honor.

Key Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 12:23 ...and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty.
Romans 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.
1 Corinthians 7:35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.

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