Brief Overview of πολυτελής (Strong’s G4185: polutelēs)

Strong’s G4185: A compound adjective combining polus (much) and telos (cost, expense), meaning very expensive, very precious, or costly. Used to describe items of great material value and, metaphorically, things of great spiritual worth in biblical and early Christian contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολυτελής combines the concepts of abundance and cost, literally meaning “costing much.” In the New Testament, it appears in contexts describing both material luxury and spiritual value. The word carries significant weight in describing the worth of items or qualities, particularly in Mark’s account of Jesus’ anointing and Peter’s teaching about inner beauty. Early church fathers often used this term to contrast material wealth with spiritual riches, emphasizing the supreme value of Christ and godly character over worldly possessions.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολυτελής, polutelēs, pol-oo-tel-ACE
• Detailed pronunciation: paw-loo-tel-ACE (stress on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• πολύς (polus) – prefix meaning “much, many”
• τέλος (telos) – root noun meaning “cost, expense, end”
• -ής (-ēs) – adjectival suffix indicating quality or state

D – Defining Meanings

• Very costly or expensive
• Of great value
• Precious or magnificently valuable

For compound words:
The prefix πολύς (much) intensifies τέλος (cost), while the -ής suffix makes it an adjective describing the quality of costliness or value.

Translation Options:

• “Very costly” – emphasizes the monetary aspect
• “Of great value” – broader application to both material and spiritual worth
• “Precious” – captures both material and emotional value

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τίμιος (timios, TIM-ee-os) – valuable, precious, but focuses on honor – See G5093
• βαρύτιμος (barutimos, bar-OO-tim-os) – very costly, emphasizes weight of value – See G927
• ἔντιμος (entimos, EN-tim-os) – precious, honored, focusing on esteem – See G1784

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Common (same form for masculine and feminine)
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 3rd declension adjective

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: πολυτελής
• Genitive: πολυτελοῦς
• Dative: πολυτελεῖ

Cross-references:

• Related noun: τέλος (cost, end)
• Related adverb: πολυτελῶς (expensively)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both material and metaphorical uses of πολυτελής. Thayer’s notes its connection to luxury items and precious substances. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in commercial contexts. Vine’s highlights its application to spiritual values. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word. LEH notes Septuagint usage describing temple offerings. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in commercial transactions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 14:3: “And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard [πολυτελής] very costly.”

Additional References:
1 Timothy 2:9
1 Peter 3:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολυτελής beautifully illustrates how material worth can point to spiritual value. The costly nard poured on Jesus prefigured His priceless sacrifice, while Peter’s use highlights the supreme worth of a gentle spirit. This word reminds us that while the gospel is free, it cost God everything, making Jesus the most πολυτελής gift ever given to humanity.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient marriage contracts to describe dowry items.
2. Early Christians adapted this commercial term to describe the incomparable worth of salvation.
3. The concept influenced the development of Christian art, where expensive materials were used to honor God while maintaining simplicity in personal life.

Strong’s G4185: A compound adjective combining polus (much) and telos (cost, expense), meaning very expensive, very precious, or costly. Used to describe items of great material value and, metaphorically, things of great spiritual worth in biblical and early Christian contexts.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: value, cost, precious, luxury, worship, sacrifice, material wealth, spiritual worth, compound words, Mark’s Gospel, Peter’s epistles​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​