תִּפְאָרָה (tiph.a.rah)
tiph.a.rah
beauty
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tiph'arah denotes beauty, splendour, or glory, often referring to visible finery such as garments, jewels, or splendid vessels. It describes the outward radiance of rank and renown, appearing in contexts ranging from the decorative elements of the tabernacle to the majestic attire of kings. The word captures a tangible excellence that commands attention and reflects high status.
Its meaning extends beyond physical appearance to include honour and glory as attributes of God or Israel. In passages like Psalm 96:6, it pairs with strength to describe the awe-inspiring nature of the divine presence. It can also signify the object of boasting, as seen in Isaiah 10:12, where human pride is contrasted with divine purpose.
Derived from the root pa'ar, meaning to be beautiful or glorious, tiph'arah emphasizes ornamentation and majesty. Translators render it variously as beauty, glory, honour, or bravery depending on context. Its usage in Isaiah highlights both the splendour of God's future restoration and the fleeting nature of human pride.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tiph'arah points to a visible splendor that commands attention. It often describes the fine garments of priests or the precious stones in the temple, showing how God values order and excellence in worship. When we see this beauty reflected in Exodus, it reminds us that our service to God can be meaningful and well-crafted.
This word also captures a deeper truth about human dignity. In Proverbs, the gray hair of the righteous is called a crown of glory, suggesting that wisdom gained through years of faithfulness holds real worth. It invites us to look beyond surface appearances and value the character that develops over time.
Yet Scripture also warns against trusting in fleeting glory. Isaiah describes how the proud beauty of kings fades like a flower. This contrast helps us place our hope in God’s enduring strength rather than temporary human achievements, finding rest in what truly lasts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- splendor4×
- [the] splendor of4×
- splendor/ your3×
- and/ <into>/ honor3×
- [the] glory of3×
- splendor/ my2×
- splendor/ its2×
- beauty/ your2×
- beauty2×
- and/ for/ honor2×
- and/ for/ beauty2×
- splendor/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת5×
- תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת4×
- תִּפְאַרְתֶּֽ/ךָ\׃2×
- וּ/לְ/תִפְאָֽרֶת\׃2×
- וּ/לְ/תִפְאָ֑רֶת2×
- וּ/לְ/תִפְאֶ֔רֶת2×
- תִּפְאָרָֽה\׃1×
- תִּפְאָרָ֑ה1×
- תִּפְאָֽרֶת\׃1×
- תִּפְאַרְתָּֽ/ם\׃1×
- תִּפְאַרְתֵּֽ/ךְ\׃1×
- תִּפְאַרְתִּֽ/י\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:2
You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
This verse links the physical beauty of priestly garments directly to their holy function, showing that outward excellence serves spiritual purpose.
-
Psalms 96:6
Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Here beauty is paired with strength in God's sanctuary, indicating that divine majesty encompasses both power and aesthetic splendor.
-
Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.
The phrase 'crown of glory' applied to gray hair elevates aging into a sign of righteous living rather than mere decline.
-
Isaiah 28:1
Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley of those who are overcome with wine!
This warning contrasts the fading beauty of drunkards with lasting divine stability, highlighting the emptiness of pride without God.