This study is on the Greek word aischune, pronounced (ahee-skhoo'-nay), Aischune means shame or disgrace. It is most often used in connection to shame and disgrace that happens in full view of people. It is extremely difficult to deal with public humiliation and it is definitely something most of us would like to avoid at all cost. Yeshua (Jesus) speaking on humility stresses the point that elevating oneself to a 'seat' of honor can wind up in public shame/aischune.
Luke 14:9,11
If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated (aischune), you will have to take the least important place. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
YESHUA & AISCHUNE
Being humbled because of pride isn't the only source of public humiliation. Yeshua who came to serve and give his life is humble (Matthew 11:29) and yet he suffered much public disgrace.
To be crucified was considered the most dishonorable way to die; as opposed to being beheaded, which was considered an honorable death. Crucifixion was designated for only the worst in society and in Old Testament times was considered to be associated with being under God's curse. (Galations 3:13 - Deuteronomy 21:23) Yeshua, however,
considered the disgrace of the cross to be a scornful thing. In other words, the joy of the end result was so great that the public disgrace of crucifixion was not even worth taking into account. He was willing to endure the public ridicule of a criminal's death.
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame (aischune), and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Aischune is connected to a root word that not only means public disgrace, but also to be disfigured. The prophetic scriptures clearly state that the Messiah would be disfigured beyond all human recognition.
Isaiah 52:14
Just as there were many who were appalled at him-- his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness--
Not only was he disfigured beyond human recognition, but he endured mocking, spitting, and many other forms of violent public ridicule. The book of Isaiah contains many messianic prophecies, with the entire chapter of Isaiah 53 prophesying the death of Yeahua.
Isaiah 50:6
I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
Mark 15:18-20
And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
BELIEVERS & AISCHUNE
Considering the great price our Messiah and Savior paid, we also should not be afraid to bear public disgrace for his namesake. As he suffered for us publicly, so also we ought not to shrink from aischune/shame of public disgrace. The apostles were not afraid to face disgrace, but rather considered it a joy.
Acts 5:41
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Although it is difficult to face the crowd and public ridicule, it is extremely important that as believers, we are not ashamed of our Savior or his words. Yeshua clearly states that if anyone is ashamed of him, then he will be ashamed of that person.
Luke 9:25-26
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Yeshua connects this shame to gaining the world, but in that 'gain' a terrible loss of losing oneself. You may gain the world's approval and avoid aischune, public shame, but the end result is far worse than enduring the temporary scorn.
1 Peter 4:16
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
The Greek word aischune is always connected to societal shame that is exposed before others. It is one thing to be dishonored because of pride or sin; it is quite another to be 'dishonored' because of our faith. Endure your hardship as a solid soldier of the King (2 Timothy 2:3) Fix your eyes on Yeshua (Jesus) and remember that he understands enduring the open humiliation for all to see; after all he did it just for you!
Hebrews 12:2-3
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame (aischune), and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
For Further Study
See our teachings on... Jesus Bled Seven Times
A study on the times that Jesus bled from the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross. Discover the amazing spiritual significance of what was paid for by the blood of our Redeemer each time his blood was shed.
Messianic Prophecy
Study eight of the prophecies in the Old Testament that Jesus fulfilled when he came to earth. Learn what the odds are of eight and fourty-eight prophecies being fulfilled. Discover how you can be absolutely certain that Jesus is much more than just a good teacher or a prophet!
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