εὐπρέπεια (euprepeia)
euprepeia
beauty
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun euprepeia refers to a goodly appearance, shapeliness, or outward beauty. Derived from roots meaning "well" and "to appear," it describes the attractive quality of something visible. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in James 1:11.
James uses it to describe the fading glory of a rich person, comparing them to a flower that withers. The source compares this usage to the Greek term for "comely" (euprephēs), noting that while euprepeia emphasizes the state of being attractive, its beauty is temporary and subject to decay. This single occurrence highlights how outward splendor does not endure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euprepeia describes a striking outward beauty, like the vibrant colors of a flower in full bloom. James uses this term to illustrate how quickly such splendor fades under the heat of the sun. It serves as a gentle reminder that physical attractiveness and worldly success are temporary gifts, not permanent securities.
When we place our hope in these fleeting things, we risk building our lives on shifting sand. True stability comes from trusting in God’s enduring character rather than chasing after appearances that vanish with time. This perspective frees us to value inner qualities like kindness and faithfulness, which grow stronger with age.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- beauty1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐπρέπεια1×
Key Verses
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James 1:11
For the sun arises with the scorching wind and withers the grass; and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So the rich man will also fade away in his pursuits.
This verse uses the word to describe how the rich man's outward glory fades just as quickly as a flower's beauty under the scorching sun.