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G4025 · Greek · New Testament
περίθεσις
períthesis
Noun, feminine
Wearing, Putting On

Definition

Períthesis (περίθεσις) means the act of wearing or putting on adornment. From peritithēmi (to place around). Appears once in 1 Peter.

Usage & Theological Significance

First Peter 3:3-4: 'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment (períthesis)... but from your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.' Peter establishes a hierarchy of beauty: external adornment is temporary; inner character is 'of great worth' and 'unfading.' This applies beyond gender — all believers are called to prioritize character over appearance, integrity over impression management. God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Key Bible Verses

1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment... but the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.
1 Samuel 16:7 The LORD does not look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Related Words

External Resources

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