ἐντρέπω

From the study of 1 Corinthians 4:14

Range of meaning

Literally "to turn in" or "turn about." In the active voice it means to make someone ashamed, to humble or humiliate them (to make them "turn in" on themselves). In the passive or middle voice it means either "to be ashamed" or, turning toward another person, "to respect, show regard for" (Matt 21:37, "They will respect my son"; Luke 18:2; Heb 12:9). Shame and respect are the two sides of one social reflex: how you stand before someone else's eyes.

Against the English

English "shame" today often means an inner feeling of guilt or worthlessness, a psychological state. The Greek word mostly concerns public standing: being exposed, losing face, being made small in front of the community.

How it drifted

Modern English has made shame mainly an inner emotion, partly because of therapeutic language. In the ancient Mediterranean world it was first of all a social fact: losing honor in public.

Used elsewhere in the period

BDAG lists "to shame" for the active voice and "to be put to shame" or "to have regard for" for the passive and middle. The Greek Old Testament often uses the passive for enemies being "put to shame" (e.g. Ps 34:26; 68:7 LXX). Paul uses the related noun ἐντροπή ("shame") in 6:5 and 15:34: "I say this to your shame."

From the study of Hebrews 12:9

Range of meaning

Active: 'to make someone ashamed' (1 Cor 4:14; 2 Thess 3:14). Middle/passive: 'to turn toward someone with regard', meaning to respect, revere or defer to them, often because you would be ashamed not to.

Against the English

BSB, WEB and NIV have 'respected', KJV 'gave reverence', YLT 'were reverencing'. 'Respect' is right but thin. The Greek describes outward, visible deference inside an honour-and-shame world, not just a private good opinion.

How it drifted

Modern 'respect' tends to mean an inner attitude, or esteem that has to be earned. In the ancient household, a son's deference to his father was owed and shown publicly, whatever the father's faults.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the parable of the tenants the owner says 'They will respect (entrapēsontai) my son' (Mark 12:6; Matt 21:37; Luke 20:13). The unjust judge 'neither feared God nor respected man' (Luke 18:2, 4). It is common in the LXX for showing regard, e.g. Exod 10:3; 2 Chr 7:14.

From the study of Luke 20:13

Range of meaning

Active: 'to make someone ashamed' (1 Cor 4:14; 2 Thess 3:14). Passive or middle: (1) 'to be put to shame, abashed'; (2) with a direct object, 'to have regard for, show deference to, respect' someone, out of awareness of their standing. Both senses come from the same picture: turning inward and being checked by another's worth.

Against the English

'Respect' (BSB, WEB, most modern versions) is accurate but thin, because modern 'respect' suggests a positive opinion. KJV's 'reverence' now sounds like religious awe. The Greek sits between the two: a felt deference that comes from shame, the kind that stops a person's hand.

How it drifted

KJV 'reverence' was ordinary social deference in 1611 ('reverence your parents'). It has since narrowed to worship language.

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 18:2, 4: the unjust judge 'neither feared God nor had regard for (ἐντρεπόμενος) man'. Heb 12:9: 'we respected (ἐνετρεπόμεθα) our human fathers'. In the LXX: Exod 10:3 (Pharaoh refusing to 'be humbled'), 2 Chron 7:14, 12:7, and often in the sense 'be put to shame before'. Ordinary Greek prose uses it the same way, of deferring to rank or kinship.