[Greek] αἰδώς (aidōs), [Latin] verecundia, [modestia], [Latin] pudentia: sense of shame, modesty, shamefacedness, bashfulness, reverence, decency; Heb.12:28, 1Tim.2:9
Fresco of a high-society Pompein woman, richly dressed with gold-threaded hair and gold earrings. She holds a wax stylus. (55-79 AD)
Background information:
Classical Greek culture: The development of this term corresponds to that of Greek ethics in which man understands his existence in reference to society, institutions, and deity. It is respect for the law of hospitality, sanctity of the home and marriage, respect for elders, and bestowing honor. Although rarely found in Hellenism, this term takes on more prominence in Stoicism. Modesty is intrisically linked with the feeling of honor and shame. Aidos is the Greek goddess of shame, modesty, respect, and humility. Likewise, Pudicitia is the Roman goddess of shame, modesty, and humility.
Greek Hellenism: This term means reverence, respect for others, self-respect, shame, sense of honor, being bashful, being ashamed, scandal, and dignity. Hesiod’s Work and Days 197 states “Strength will be right, and reverence will cease to be, and the wicked will hurt the worthy man, speaking false words against him.” Euripides’ The Suppliants 911 states “For noble nurture carries reverence for it, and every man, when he has produced virtue, scorns the name of the villain.” Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 1.4.4 states “He then came to use fewer words, and his voice was more subdued, and he became bashful that he actually blushed when he went to his elders.” Heodotus’ The Histories 1.8 states “Gyges protested loudly, ‘What an unsound suggestion that I should see my mistress naked. When a woman’s clothes come off, she dispenses with her modesty too.”
Old Testament: Although there is no direct Hebrew equivalent, this term is found in the literature of Hellenistic Judaism. This term is more associated with fear of God. The related Greek verb aideomai (to be ashamed) is more prevalent. Scriptures about modesty (and being modest) are also found.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Pro.1:7). Those women who who had recently been arrayed for marriage abandoned the bridal chambers prepared for wedded union, neglecting proper modesty (3Macc.1:19). The old men was forced to march at a swift pace by the violence with which they were driven in such a shameful manner (3Maac.4:5). Be not a witness against your neighbor without just cause, thus committing folly with your lips (Pro.24:28). Onias, the former high priest, a good and virtuous priest, modest in appearance (2Macc.15:12).
New Testament: This term means modesty, decency, and reverence. The secondary sense of modesty later develops from the older sense of reverence. In 1 Timothy, Paul was responding to issues concerning women’s appropriate dress for a liturgical assembly. Evidently, there was an issue concerning some women elaborately dressed (expensive clothes, braided hairstyle, and gold ornaments. The writer of Hebrews mentions that we must have gratitude and must worship God in reverence.
Scripture:
“Similarly, too, women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls or expensive clothes.” 1Tim.2:9
Paul felt that he had to address a serious matter concerning appropriate attire for a liturgical celebration. Evidently, there was a serious concern for Paul to had to respond to.
“Therefore, we who are receiving the unshakable kingdom should have gratitude, with which we should offer worship pleasing to God in reverence and awe.” Heb.12:28
Impudence: This is marked by contemptuous or cocky behavior or disregard for others and lack of modesty
Conclusion:
Impudence, impudent, modest, modesty, reverent, reverence
It was interesting to discover that this term is ultimately tied to Greek ethics. One must show respect for others, institutions, and deity. There is a great focus of having a code of conduct in various walks of life. Even gods were tied to humility, shame, and modesty.
In the Old Testament, this term is closely associated with fear of the Lord. Modesty follows from reverence.
In the New Testament, this term takes on both the older sense of fear (reverence) and the newer sense of modesty. It is very interesting that Paul felt that he had to address the notion of appropriate dress attire for a liturgical celebration. Evidently, perhaps this situation turned into a crisis of about what women should wear. It should go without saying that modesty in dress attire should apply to all men and woman.
In 1Timothy 6:17 Paul instructed the affluent women to focus less on their own wealth and focus more on God. Some women wore elaborate dress, hairstyle, and jewelry during liturgical celebrations. This perhaps can be seen as sexually provocative. But perhaps Paul wanted these affluent women to dress more modestly to show some solidarity with the poor women who attended liturgical celebrations. Perhaps, some affluent women chose to flaunt their socioeconomic status before others.
Impudence: quality of being contemptuous or cocky disregard for others
WARNING—USELESS WORDS ALERT–
Verecund: bashful or modest
Verecundity: the state of being bashful or modes
Pudency: modesty or shame
Pudicity: modesty or shame
Pudendum: a person’s external genitals (where one ought to feel shame)
With all modesty, I was really surprised in what I have learned about this term.