περίθεσις (perithesis)
perithesis
wearing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun perithesis refers to the act of putting something around or upon oneself, specifically in the sense of adorning the body. Derived from a verb meaning "to place around," it carries the concrete image of wearing jewelry or garments as a form of decoration. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in 1 Peter 3:3.
Peter uses perithesis to describe external adornments such as braided hair and gold jewelry. The context contrasts these outward decorations with the inner qualities of a gentle and quiet spirit. This single usage highlights that while wearing ornaments is a normal human practice, it should not be the primary focus of a believer's appearance.
The term emphasizes the physical act of dressing up rather than the moral value of the items themselves. By limiting its occurrence to this specific instruction, the text treats perithesis as a neutral descriptor for external beauty practices. It serves as a clear example of how early Christian teaching addressed daily life and social customs without rejecting them entirely.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word perithesis describes the simple act of adorning oneself with jewelry or fine garments. In 1 Peter 3:3, it refers to the external practices of braiding hair and wearing gold. This term is neutral; it does not condemn the items themselves but rather points to where we place our primary focus for beauty.
For your daily life, this word invites a gentle shift in perspective. While caring for your appearance is natural, true worth comes from inner qualities like a quiet spirit. You are encouraged to value kindness and peace over outward display. This balance allows you to present yourself with dignity without letting external adornment define your identity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- putting around1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιθέσεως1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 3:3
Let your beauty come not from the outward adorning of braiding your hair, and of wearing gold ornaments or of putting on fine clothing,
This verse uses perithesis to list specific external adornments like braided hair and gold, setting them in contrast to inner spiritual beauty.