ἐμπλοκή (emplokē)
emplokē
braiding
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun emploke refers to the physical act of interweaving or braiding hair, specifically describing an elaborate gathering of strands into knots or plaits. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 1 Peter 3:3, where it is paired with the phrase "of hair" (trichōn) to denote a specific style of grooming.
This term highlights a cultural practice rather than a moral category. The text contrasts this elaborate external adornment with the inner character of a person’s spirit, which is described as imperishable. By using a word that signifies intricate, visible effort in appearance, the author draws attention to how outward beauty can be constructed through detailed, time-consuming care.
The rarity of the word underscores its specific function in this passage. It serves as a concrete example of external focus, standing in deliberate opposition to the internal qualities that the text values more highly. The choice of this term reflects a known social emphasis on refined physical presentation during that period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word employed here describes the intricate art of braiding hair, a practice that required time, skill, and often significant resources in the first century. It represents a visible effort to create beauty through external means. The text does not condemn the act itself but places it within a broader context of values, contrasting elaborate grooming with the quiet strength of a gentle and quiet spirit.
This distinction invites us to consider where we place our primary focus. While caring for one’s appearance is not inherently wrong, the passage encourages a heart orientation that prioritizes inner character over outward display. The imperishable quality of a kind spirit offers a lasting beauty that no fashion or hairstyle can replicate.
Ultimately, this teaching points toward a freedom from the pressure to constantly perform or present oneself perfectly. It suggests that true worth is found in the unseen depths of the heart, where love and peace reside. This perspective allows for a grounded confidence that does not rely on external validation or changing trends.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of braiding1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμπλοκῆς1×