εὐπρέπεια
beauty, gracefulness
Definition
εὐπρέπεια refers to outward beauty, gracefulness, or comeliness, particularly the kind of attractive appearance that is pleasing to the eye. In the New Testament, it is used specifically to describe the fleeting splendor of natural things, like the flower of the grass. The word carries a sense of visible, external elegance that is impressive but temporary, as contrasted with enduring spiritual qualities.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in James 1:11. It is used in the context of a rich person's life being compared to a flowering plant that withers under the sun. The 'beauty' (εὐπρέπεια) of its appearance perishes. The usage emphasizes the transient, perishable nature of worldly glory and physical attractiveness.
Etymology
Derived from the adjective εὐπρεπής (euprepēs), meaning 'seemly, becoming, or of good appearance.' It combines εὖ (eu), meaning 'well' or 'good,' and πρέπω (prepō), meaning 'to be fitting or suitable.' Thus, the core idea is of a 'fitting' or 'appropriate' beauty that is outwardly commendable.
Semantic Range
Theologically, this word highlights the biblical theme of the impermanence of earthly things versus the permanence of spiritual reality. In James 1:11, it serves as a metaphor for worldly wealth and human glory, which fade away just as a flower's beauty does. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of James by emphasizing that true value is found not in transient external appearances but in enduring faith and godly character.
In the Greco-Roman world, external beauty and public presentation (εὐπρέπεια) were highly valued, associated with honor, social status, and aesthetic ideals. James's use subverts this cultural priority by declaring such beauty to be as temporary and vulnerable as a wildflower, redirecting focus to eternal, spiritual priorities.
κάλλος (kallos, G2244) — beauty, often more intrinsic or ideal beauty; ὡραιότης (hōraiotēs, G5611) — beauty, sometimes with a sense of blooming freshness; δόξα (doxa, G1391) — glory, splendor, often with a focus on radiance or manifestation.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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