ἀστεῖος (asteios)
asteios
beautiful
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective asteios describes someone who is physically attractive or comely, carrying a sense of polished elegance. Its root lies in astu, meaning "city," suggesting that beauty here is not just natural but refined by the social graces associated with urban life. In this way, it parallels the Latin word urbanus, pointing to a charm that is both graceful and sophisticated.
Scripture uses this term sparingly to highlight the striking appearance of specific individuals. Moses is described as asteios in Hebrews 11:23, noting the parents saw he was "beautiful" or "fair." Similarly, Stephen’s speech in Acts 7:20 mentions that Moses was "comely" before God. These references focus on a visible, dignified beauty that stood out to observers.
While often translated simply as "beautiful," the word implies a certain cultural polish. It distinguishes a refined attractiveness from mere physical health or ordinary looks. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for various terms of goodness or fitness, but in the New Testament, it remains tightly linked to this image of elegant, city-bred comeliness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word asteios points to a beauty that is polished, elegant, and refined. It suggests an attractiveness shaped by grace and social poise, much like the sophisticated charm of city life. When Scripture uses this term for Moses, it highlights a visible dignity that stood out to those who saw him.
This reminds us that God often chooses individuals based on qualities that reflect His own care and attention. The beauty Moses displayed was not just natural but marked by a special favor. It invites us to see how God’s hand can shape a person’s character and presence, making them distinct in ways that draw others toward Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- beautiful1×
- [was] beautiful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀστεῖος1×
- ἀστεῖον1×
Key Verses
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Hebrews 11:23
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
This verse uses the word to describe Moses as a child, emphasizing the visible beauty that prompted his parents to hide him in faith.
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Acts 7:20
At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome to God. He was nourished three months in his father’s house.
Stephen references this same description of Moses, noting that he was 'exceedingly handsome to God,' linking his physical appearance to divine favor.