πλέγμα (plegma)
plegma
braided
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun plegma refers to something woven or twisted together, such as the plaited strands of a net or basket. In biblical usage, it specifically denotes a braid of hair. The word appears only once in the New Testament, where Paul instructs women in Ephesus to adorn themselves with modesty and self-control rather than elaborate hairstyles.
Its root lies in the verb for weaving or plaiting, connecting the physical act of intertwining strands to the resulting object. This concrete imagery highlights that plegma is not merely hair, but hair arranged in a specific, crafted style. The term carries no inherent moral judgment; it simply describes a type of grooming that was likely considered fashionable or status-signaling in the first-century context.
Translators typically render plegma as "braids" or "plaited hair." This precise translation preserves the visual specificity of the Greek, distinguishing it from general terms for appearance. By focusing on this single instance, the text draws attention to external adornment as a category of behavior, rather than attacking the practice itself in isolation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word plegma describes plaited or braided hair, a specific style of grooming that marked social status in the first century. Paul mentions it to highlight how external adornment can sometimes overshadow inner character. This single reference reminds us that our appearance is visible, but our hearts are what God truly sees.
When we consider how we present ourselves, this word invites a gentle pause. It suggests that while beauty and care for one’s appearance are not wrong, they should not become the primary focus of our identity. Instead, we are encouraged to let modesty and self-control guide our choices, reflecting a quiet confidence that does not need expensive jewelry or elaborate styles to be valued.
Ultimately, this passage points toward a deeper kind of beauty. It is an invitation to cultivate a spirit that is gentle and quiet, qualities that hold great worth in God’s sight. By focusing on these inner virtues, we find a peace that external trends cannot provide, allowing our faith to shine through our everyday lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- braided hair1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πλέγμασιν1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 2:9
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing,
This is the only occurrence of plegma in the New Testament, where Paul uses it to contrast external grooming with modesty and self-control.