πλέγμα

braided hair, anything interwoven

Definition

πλέγμα (plegma) refers to something that is braided, plaited, or intricately interwoven. Its primary meaning in the New Testament is 'braided hair' or an elaborate hairstyle. More broadly, it can denote any woven or intertwined structure, such as a net or a basket, though this broader sense is not used in the biblical text. In its sole biblical occurrence, it specifically describes an ornate, braided coiffure.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 2:9. Here, the apostle Paul instructs women to adorn themselves with modesty and self-control, not with 'braided hair' (πλέγμασιν) and gold or pearls or costly attire. The term is used negatively as an example of extravagant, attention-seeking external adornment that is inappropriate for worship and contrary to a focus on good works.

Etymology

Derived from the verb πλέκω (plekō), meaning 'to plait, braid, or weave.' The noun πλέγμα is formed with the suffix -μα, which indicates the result of an action, thus meaning 'that which is braided' or 'a braided thing.' It is related to other Greek words for woven items and intertwining.

Semantic Range

The word is theologically significant as it touches on themes of modesty, humility, and the proper focus of a believer's life. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, the prohibition against 'braided hair' is part of a larger ethical instruction that contrasts outward, worldly adornment with the inward adornment of 'good works.' It underscores the New Testament principle that a believer's identity and value are not found in external displays of wealth or status but in godly character and service, especially within the context of corporate worship.

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, elaborate, braided hairstyles—often interwoven with gold threads, jewels, and pearls—were a prominent status symbol among wealthy women. Such hairstyles could take hours to create and were a public display of wealth, social standing, and fashion. Paul's instruction directly counters this cultural practice, calling Christian women to reject a value system based on opulent self-display and to instead cultivate modesty and godliness.

κόμη (komē, G2864) — simply denotes the hair of the head, without the connotation of elaborate styling. τρίχα (tricha) — a strand or lock of hair. πλοκή (plokē, G4118) — the act of braiding or plaiting itself, closely related but not the finished product.

Word Details

Scripture References