The concept of embarrassment, while not explicitly named in the Bible, can be understood through various narratives and teachings that reflect feelings of shame, discomfort, or self-consciousness. Embarrassment often arises from situations where one's actions or circumstances fall short of societal or personal expectations, leading to a sense of exposure or vulnerability.

Biblical Instances and Themes

1. Adam and Eve: The first instance of embarrassment can be inferred from the account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. After disobeying God by eating the forbidden fruit, they became aware of their nakedness and felt shame. Genesis 3:7 states, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." This narrative highlights the connection between sin, awareness, and the resulting embarrassment.

2. Peter's Denial: The Apostle Peter experienced a profound moment of embarrassment and shame after denying Jesus three times. In Luke 22:61-62 , it is recorded, "And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly." Peter's reaction reflects the deep remorse and embarrassment of failing to stand by his Lord.

3. Public Exposure: Embarrassment can also be seen in situations of public exposure or humiliation. In John 8:3-9 , the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, seeking to embarrass her and test Him. Jesus responds by saying, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her." This incident not only addresses the woman's potential embarrassment but also turns the scrutiny back on her accusers, highlighting their own sinfulness.

4. Cultural and Social Contexts: In biblical times, cultural norms and social expectations often dictated behavior, and deviation from these could lead to embarrassment. For example, in 2 Samuel 6:20-22 , Michal, the daughter of Saul, criticizes King David for dancing before the Lord with abandon, perceiving it as undignified. David responds, "I will celebrate before the LORD, and I will humble myself even more than this and be abased in my own eyes." Here, David's willingness to appear foolish for the sake of worship contrasts with Michal's concern for social propriety.

Theological Reflections

Embarrassment in the biblical context often relates to the human condition of sin and the resulting separation from God. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility, repentance, and reliance on God's grace. The Bible encourages believers to find their identity and worth in Christ, rather than in the fleeting judgments of the world. Romans 10:11 assures, "Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame."

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that God's love and forgiveness cover our shortcomings and failures. In Isaiah 54:4 , God promises, "Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; do not fear disgrace, for you will not be humiliated." This assurance provides comfort and hope, reminding believers that their ultimate acceptance and honor come from God, not from human approval.(imp. & p. p.) of Embarrass.3637. kalam -- to be humiliated
... NASB Word Usage ashamed (6), bear her shame (1), blush (2), brought us to dishonor
(1), confounded (1), disgraced (1), dishonored (7), embarrassed (1), feel ...
/hebrew/3637.htm - 6k

2659. chapher -- to be abashed or ashamed
... root Definition to be abashed or ashamed NASB Word Usage abashed (1), ashamed (1),
confounded (1), disgraced (1), disgraceful (1), embarrassed (2), humiliated ...
/hebrew/2659.htm - 6k

Preface by the Author
... will, of inability, and of physical regeneration, and physical Divine influence
in regeneration, with their kindred and resulting dogmas, embarrassed and even ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/preface by the author.htm

Sin and the Penalty of Sin the Same.
... When thus deserted he of course becomes blinded, and necessarily offends more; and
by so falling is embarrassed and being embarrassed fails to rise, so as to ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 24 xxii sin and the.htm

Further Answers to Prayer
... entering upon this much-prized service?" As the week drew to a close I
felt exceedingly embarrassed. There was not only myself to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter iv further answers to.htm

Methodist Book Concern
... They found the Concern much embarrassed with debt, with but scanty means to liquidate
it, the number and variety of publications small, and the general aspect ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm

The Observations Contained in the Preceding ChapterMake it ...
... There are some persons, however, who would be embarrassed by an effort to
change the operation of the mind from reading to inventing. ...
/.../hints on extemporaneous preaching/chapter iii the observations contained.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... Testaments. 'It will be as well here to curtail what relates to these books,
otherwise the narrative might be considerably embarrassed. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 62.htm

What Jesus Says of the Meaning of his Miracles
... many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed
on him." Some, however, went to the Pharisees and embarrassed them by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beth/the miracles of jesus/ii what jesus says of.htm

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... He imposed silence on the rabbis; He embarrassed Pilate on the throne; and disposed
of Paradise at the moment He Himself was pierced with the nails, and fixt ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

Special Practices of Uniformity.
... him. When morning came all were embarrassed for the discomfort he had
experienced by having had to spend the night in the open. ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/5 special practices of uniformity.htm

The Right to Regulate My Private Affairs as I Wish
... reason. The embarrassed and evasive answer does not satisfy, and she keeps
after the poor girl until finally she is told the truth. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 4 the right to.htm

Embarrassed (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Embarrassed (5 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 7:14 For if
in anything I have boasted to him on your behalf, I was not disappointed. ...
/e/embarrassed.htm - 8k

Embarrass (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To hinder from liberty of movement; to impede; to obstruct; as,
business is embarrassed; public affairs are embarrassed. ...
/e/embarrass.htm - 7k

Embarrassment (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A state of being embarrassed; perplexity; impediment to freedom of action;
entanglement; hindrance; confusion or discomposure of mind, as from not ...
/e/embarrassment.htm - 7k

Text (5 Occurrences)
... that the documents of the Christian faith are both so many and so widely scattered
that these very facts more than any others have embarrassed the final ...
/t/text.htm - 73k

Manuscripts
... that the documents of the Christian faith are both so many and so widely scattered
that these very facts more than any others have embarrassed the final ...
/m/manuscripts.htm - 39k

Perplexed (16 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Perplex. 2. (a.) Entangled, involved, or confused; hence,
embarrassed; puzzled; doubtful; anxious. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/perplexed.htm - 11k

Constrained (14 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Constrain. 2. (a.) Marked by constraint; not free; not voluntary; embarrassed;
as, a constrained manner; a constrained tone. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/constrained.htm - 10k

Abashed (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Ashamed; embarrassed; disconcerted.
Multi-Version Concordance Abashed (7 Occurrences). Psalms 34:5 ...
/a/abashed.htm - 8k

Stick (47 Occurrences)
... stayed. 21. (vi) To be embarrassed or puzzled; to hesitate; to be deterred,
as by scruples; to scruple; -- often with at. 22. (vi ...
/s/stick.htm - 23k

Camp (222 Occurrences)
... And it came to pass in the morning watch, that Jehovah looked upon the camp of the
Egyptians, in the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and embarrassed the camp ...
/c/camp.htm - 41k

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