The term "abashed" refers to a state of being embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed. In the context of the Bible, it often describes a reaction to sin, guilt, or the realization of one's shortcomings before God. The concept of being abashed is closely related to feelings of shame and humility, which are significant themes throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Old Testament Context: The Hebrew word often translated as "abashed" is "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), which conveys a sense of shame or disappointment. This term appears in various contexts, often describing the reaction of individuals or nations when confronted with their sins or failures.

· Jeremiah 6:15 : "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse," says the LORD. This verse highlights the lack of shame among the people of Judah, indicating a moral insensitivity that leads to their downfall.

· Ezekiel 16:63 : "So you may remember and be ashamed and never open your mouth again because of your disgrace, when I have forgiven you for all you have done, declares the Lord GOD." Here, the feeling of being abashed is linked to the recognition of past sins and the grace of divine forgiveness.

2. New Testament Context: While the specific term "abashed" is not commonly used in the New Testament, the concept is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, often in the context of humility and repentance.

· Luke 18:13 : "But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’" This parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates the tax collector's abashed state, characterized by humility and a plea for mercy.

· James 4:9-10 : "Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." James encourages believers to adopt an attitude of humility and repentance, which aligns with the concept of being abashed before God.

Theological Implications

The state of being abashed is significant in biblical theology as it often precedes repentance and restoration. It reflects an awareness of one's sinfulness and the need for God's mercy. This acknowledgment is a crucial step in the process of reconciliation with God, as it leads to genuine repentance and transformation.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, shame and honor were pivotal societal values. Being abashed, therefore, had profound implications not only for personal identity but also for one's standing within the community. The biblical narrative often uses this cultural understanding to convey spiritual truths about the human condition and the path to redemption.

Related Concepts

· Shame: A broader term that encompasses feelings of guilt and disgrace, often used interchangeably with being abashed.
· Repentance: The act of turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness, often following a state of being abashed.
· Humility: A virtue closely associated with being abashed, as it involves recognizing one's limitations and dependence on God.

Conclusion

The concept of being abashed in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the human tendency toward sin and the need for divine grace. It underscores the importance of humility and repentance in the believer's journey toward spiritual maturity and reconciliation with God.(a.) Ashamed; embarrassed; disconcerted.2659. chapher -- to be abashed or ashamed
... chapher. 2660 . to be abashed or ashamed. Transliteration: chapher Phonetic Spelling:
(khaw-fare') Short Definition: humiliated. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/2659.htm - 6k

Treats of the Sublime Favours God Bestows on Souls which have ...
... Teresa abashed at treating such subjects.3. Our Lord introduces His bride into His
presence chamber.4. Darkness of a soul in mortal sin.5. Intercession for ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter i treats of the 2.htm

The Seven Sleepers
... And when he came to the sellers of bread, and heard the men speak of God, yet then
was he more abashed, and said: What is this, that no man yesterday durst ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the seven sleepers.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... [1092] And he said to her (Jerusalem):"Be abashed and accept thy shame, that thou
hast overcome thy sisters in thy sins, and they are justified rather than ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Significant Phrases
... A. abashed and ashamed. abhorrence and repulsion. ... disappointed and abashed.
disapprobation and condemnation [approbation = warm approval; praise]. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section ii significant phrases.htm

The History of David
... himself. And when Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, heard that Abner was dead,
he was all abashed and all Israel sore troubled. There ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac
... To whom he answered, I am thy first begotten son Esau. Isaac then was greatly abashed
and astonied, and marvelled more than can be thought credible. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the life of.htm

A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows.
... virtue. Therefore I thought, also, I might get barley by sowing oats.". The
master was abashed at the reply and set Lukman free. Like ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter iv a man expects.htm

Internal Evidence Goes Far to Establish the Credit which Eusebius ...
... the knowledge of the Gospel to these boastful ages of our own, I confess myself
edified by what I read, chiefly because I am humbled and abashed in comparing ...
/.../smyrna/the martyrdom of the holy polycarp/internal evidence goes far to.htm

At Court
... frequented the palace. Vincent only smiled"these were not the things that
abashed him; he made no change in his attire. At first ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 8 at court.htm

Of Men's Shrinking from this Second Repentance and Exomologesis ...
... salvation! Truly you are honourable in your modesty; bearing an open forehead
for sinning, but an abashed one for deprecating! I ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter x of mens shrinking from.htm

Abashed (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Abashed (7 Occurrences). Psalms 34:5 They looked unto
him, and were radiant; And their faces shall never be confounded. (See JPS). ...
/a/abashed.htm - 8k

Weak (102 Occurrences)
... its preterit (imperfect) and past participle by adding to the present the suffix
-ed, -d, or the variant form -t; as in the verbs abash, abashed; abate, abated ...
/w/weak.htm - 38k

Confusion (71 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The state of being abashed or disconcerted; loss self-possession;
perturbation; shame. 3. (n.) Overthrow; defeat; ruin. ...
/c/confusion.htm - 39k

Ashamed (131 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Affected by shame; abashed or confused by guilt,
or a conviction or consciousness of some wrong action or impropriety. Int. ...
/a/ashamed.htm - 42k

Abasing (1 Occurrence)

/a/abasing.htm - 6k

Abaseth (1 Occurrence)

/a/abaseth.htm - 6k

Are there any conditions to answered prayer? | GotQuestions.org

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