πολυτελής (polutelēs)
polutelēs
valuable
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective poluteles describes something that is extremely costly or precious, carrying the sense of requiring a significant outlay. Derived from roots meaning "many" and "cost," it emphasizes high value rather than mere quantity. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, making its usage distinctive and focused.
It is applied to material objects in Mark 14:3 and 1 Timothy 2:9. In both instances, it modifies items of personal adornment—specifically a jar of costly ointment and garments worn by women. The term highlights the substantial financial sacrifice involved in these acts of devotion or propriety.
Interestingly, the word shifts to a metaphorical use in 1 Peter 3:4. Here, it describes the inner disposition of a gentle and quiet spirit. This spiritual quality is termed "of great value," suggesting that such character traits hold more worth than expensive jewelry or fine clothing. The contrast underscores the priority placed on internal virtue over external appearance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word poluteles points to things that demand a significant sacrifice because they are truly valuable. In Mark's account, a woman pours out an alabaster jar of pure nard, described as very costly, on Jesus while he sits at the table. This act shows that true devotion often requires giving up something precious. It reminds us that our worship is not measured by what we keep back, but by what we are willing to offer freely.
Paul addresses a similar theme in 1 Timothy when he instructs women to dress with modesty, avoiding expensive clothing and gold. The focus here shifts from external display to inner character. Peter expands this idea further in 1 Peter, calling a gentle and quiet spirit very precious in God’s sight. This inner quality holds more worth than any material wealth.
For your daily life, this word invites you to examine what you consider truly valuable. Are you investing in things that fade or in character that endures? By prioritizing kindness and humility over outward appearance, you align yourself with what God treasures most. Let this perspective guide your choices today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of great worth.1×
- of great price.1×
- costly,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πολυτελές.1×
- πολυτελοῦς.1×
- πολυτελεῖ,1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 14:3
While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard—very costly. She broke the jar and poured it over his head.
This verse uses poluteles to describe the ointment, highlighting the substantial financial sacrifice made in an act of worship.
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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,
Here the word modifies clothing, warning against relying on expensive attire for adornment and pointing toward modesty instead.
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I Peter 3:4
but from the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.
Peter applies this term metaphorically to a gentle spirit, declaring it more precious in God's sight than any material wealth.