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εὐσχήμων

euschḗmōn

G2158 restrictive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Having good form or appearance; by extension, characterized by dignified, respectable, or honorable qualities. The primary sense relates to outward appearance—well-formed, comely or stately—but the term extends to describe people or actions considered decorous, noble, or socially esteemed. In some contexts, also used for persons of notable rank or social standing.

Semantic Range

well-shaped, comely, handsome; dignified, decorous; honorable, respectable, prominent, of notable rank or standing

Root / Etymology

From εὖ ('well') and σχῆμα ('form, shape, appearance'). The compound literally means 'well-shaped' or 'of good form,' and figuratively acquires connotations of dignity or social respectability.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, εὐσχήμων primarily denoted physical or outward comeliness, elegance, or stately bearing. Over time, particularly in Hellenistic and Koine usage, it frequently came to describe persons or actions marked by social decorum, honor, or high standing, with emphasis on respectable appearance or noble character rather than just physical appearance. In the New Testament (e.g., Mark 15:43), εὐσχήμων describes Joseph of Arimathea as 'a prominent council member'—that is, someone regarded as honorable or reputable in the civic-religious leadership of Judea. The term thus often carried both a sense of social rank and moral respectability, overlapping with (but not identical to) terms like σεμνός (venerable, dignified) or εὔδοξος (well-reputed). Standard English translations such as 'honorable,' 'respected,' or 'prominent' may not capture the word’s composite sense of visible dignity and social acceptance. Its application to individuals or actions also connoted adherence to prevailing standards of decorum and propriety.

Translation Consistency

primary "dignified" 3 occurrences

εὐσχήμων commonly conveys a composed, respectable outward bearing—comely, proper, and honorable. “Dignified” is the most natural, idiomatic single-word render­ing that covers both physical stateliness and respectable/noble character, and will read naturally across contexts.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"prominent women" (1x) "well-formed things" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from εὖ and σχῆμα; well-formed, i.e. (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank):--comely, honourable.

Root Family

εὖ, σχῆμα (euschḗmōn) — well-formed, dignified, reputable, notable

Root εὖ, σχῆμα well-formed, dignified, reputable, notable

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2158-01 εὐσχήμων euschemon ADJ.A NOM M SG prominent dignified dignified 2
G2158-02 εὐσχήμονα euschemona ADJ.S NOM N PL presentable well-formed things well-formed things 1
G2158-03 εὐσχήμονας euschemonas ADJ.R ACC F PL prominent well-formed women prominent women 1
G2158-04 εὐσχημόνων euschemonon ADJ.R GEN F PL prominent of dignified women dignified 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2158-01 Mark 15:43 εὐσχήμων euschemon ADJ.A NOM M SG prominent dignified dignified
G2158-03 Acts 13:50 εὐσχήμονας euschemonas ADJ.R ACC F PL prominent well-formed women prominent women
G2158-04 Acts 17:12 εὐσχημόνων euschemonon ADJ.R GEN F PL prominent of dignified women dignified
G2158-01 1 Corinthians 7:35 εὔσχημον euschemon ADJ.S ACC N SG proper dignified dignified
G2158-02 1 Corinthians 12:24 εὐσχήμονα euschemona ADJ.S NOM N PL presentable well-formed things well-formed things
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