Brief Overview of περίθεσις (Strong’s G4025: perithesis)

Strong’s G4025: A compound noun combining περί (around) and θέσις (placing), meaning “a putting around, wearing.” Used specifically in 1 Peter to address external adornment, particularly the wearing of gold jewelry, contrasting outward decoration with inner spiritual beauty.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περίθεσις represents the act of putting something around oneself, particularly for adornment. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the placing (θέσις) of items, creating an image of decorative arrangement. In the New Testament, it appears in Peter’s teaching about true beauty, where he contrasts external adornment with internal spiritual qualities. The word carries significant theological implications about values, identity, and the nature of genuine beauty in God’s sight. Early church writers expanded its usage to discuss the contrast between worldly and spiritual priorities. Today, it continues to challenge believers to prioritize inner spiritual development over external appearance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περίθεσις, perithesis, [peh-REE-theh-sis]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-REE-theh-sis (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• θέσις (thesis): root noun meaning “placing, setting”
• -σις (-sis): noun-forming suffix indicating action
• Combined meaning: act of placing around

D – Defining Meanings

• The act of putting on (ornaments)
• Wearing (of jewelry)
• Adorning oneself

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “around” to θέσις “placing,” creating the concept of decorative arrangement around oneself

Translation Options:

1. Wearing – Emphasizes the active use
2. Putting on – Highlights the action
3. Adorning – Captures decorative purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κόσμησις [kosmesis, KOS-may-sis] – arrangement, decoration
• ἔνδυσις [endysis, EN-doo-sis] – putting on (of clothing)
• στολισμός [stolismos, sto-lis-MOS] – adorning, dressing

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:
Nominative/Accusative: περίθεσις
Genitive: περιθέσεως
Dative: περιθέσει

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of adornment. Thayer’s notes its specific application to jewelry. LSJ provides examples from fashion contexts. Vine’s connects it to external decoration. Strong’s emphasizes the act of putting around. Moulton and Milligan document its use in fashion terminology.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the [wearing] of gold jewelry or fine clothes.” (1 Peter 3:3)

Additional References:
None

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περίθεσις powerfully illustrates the contrast between worldly and spiritual values. Peter uses it to remind us that true beauty comes from within, not from external adornment. This word promotes the good news of King Jesus by emphasizing that our identity and worth are found in Christ, not in outward appearances.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient fashion magazines and catalogs
2. Common in discussions of proper funeral attire
3. Influenced early Christian teaching on modesty

Strong’s G4025: Compound noun describing the act of putting on ornaments or jewelry. Used in New Testament teaching about true beauty and proper priorities. Contrasts external adornment with internal spiritual qualities.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Beauty #Adornment #Modesty #Values #BiblicalGreek #CompoundWords #Identity #Spirituality #WomenInChurch #PetersTeaching​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​