πολυτελής

very costly, very precious

Definition

The adjective πολυτελής describes something of exceptionally high cost or great value, often implying lavishness or preciousness. In its three New Testament occurrences, it consistently conveys the idea of something being 'very costly' or 'very precious.' In Mark 14:3, it modifies the 'very costly' perfume poured on Jesus, emphasizing its extravagant monetary worth. In 1 Timothy 2:9, it advises women not to adorn themselves with 'costly' clothing or jewelry, contrasting external extravagance with godly character. In 1 Peter 3:4, it describes the 'precious' quality of a gentle and quiet spirit in God's sight, shifting the focus from material to incorruptible spiritual value.

Biblical Usage

This word is used three times in the New Testament across three different genres: Gospel narrative (Mark), pastoral epistle (1 Timothy), and general epistle (1 Peter). In Mark 14:3, it describes a material object (perfume) of immense financial cost. In 1 Timothy 2:9, it is used in ethical instruction, warning against the ostentatious display of wealth through attire. In 1 Peter 3:4, its usage is metaphorical and spiritual, applying the concept of supreme value to an inner, godly disposition. The pattern moves from literal cost (Mark) to a warning against valuing it (1 Timothy) to redefining it spiritually (1 Peter).

Etymology

Derived from the Greek roots πολύς (polys), meaning 'much' or 'many,' and τέλος (telos), meaning 'cost,' 'expense,' or 'end.' Literally, it means 'of great cost' or 'requiring much expenditure.' The root τέλος can also carry the sense of 'completion' or 'goal,' but in this compound, the primary sense is financial outlay. Cognates include the verb πολυτελέω (polyteléō), 'to be very costly,' and the noun πολυτέλεια (polytéleia), 'costliness' or 'extravagance.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights a biblical tension between material and spiritual value systems. In Mark 14:3-9, the 'very costly' perfume becomes an act of worship deemed worthy by Jesus, contrasting Judas's materialistic critique. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:3-4, the New Testament redefines true preciousness, explicitly redirecting focus from external, perishable extravagance (πολυτελής clothing/jewelry) to the internal, imperishable beauty of godly character. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying the Bible's consistent message: what is of ultimate 'great cost' or 'preciousness' in God's economy is often contrary to worldly valuation.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'πολυτελής' was associated with luxury goods, elite status, and public displays of wealth. The extremely costly perfume in Mark 14:3 (nard) was an imported luxury, and its value (explicitly noted as over 300 denarii—a year's wages for a laborer) would have been immediately understood as an astonishing act of devotion or waste, depending on the viewer's perspective. The admonition in 1 Timothy 2:9 reflects concerns about modesty and social stratification within the church, where flashy, expensive attire could signal wealth and cause division or distraction from worship.

τίμιος (timios, G5093) — also means 'precious, valuable, honored,' but can emphasize dignity or honor more broadly, not exclusively high cost. ἔντιμος (entimos, G1784) — means 'honored, precious, held in esteem,' focusing on the honor accorded rather than the price tag. πολύτιμος (polytimos, G4186) — a very close synonym meaning 'very precious, of great price,' sharing the 'πολύς' root; used in Matthew 13:46 and John 12:3 (variant reading).

Word Details

Scripture References