Brief Overview of πλέγμα (Strong’s G4117: plegma)

Strong’s G4117: A braided or woven arrangement, particularly referring to elaborate hairstyles in its New Testament context. Derived from πλέκω (plekō), meaning “to weave.” In ancient Greco-Roman culture, it often denoted expensive and time-consuming hair arrangements worn as status symbols.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλέγμα represents more than just hairstyling—it embodies cultural statements about status, wealth, and priorities. In its sole New Testament appearance, Paul uses it to address the issue of excessive adornment in worship contexts. The term specifically referred to elaborate braided hairstyles that were popular among wealthy Roman women, often incorporating expensive ornaments and taking hours to create. Early church fathers frequently cited this term when discussing Christian modesty and proper priorities in worship. Today, it continues to prompt discussion about balancing cultural expression with spiritual priorities.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλέγμα, plegma, /PLEG-mah/
• Detailed pronunciation: PLEG-mah (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πλεκ- (plek-) meaning “to weave”
• Suffix: -μα (-ma) indicating result of action
• Derived from πλέκω (plekō), “to weave or braid”

D – Defining Meanings

• Braided arrangement
• Woven structure
• Elaborate hairstyle

For compound words: Not a compound word, but contains the productive -μα suffix indicating the result of weaving

Translation Options:

• Braided hair – Specific to its New Testament context
• Plaiting – Emphasizes the process of creation
• Elaborate hairdo – Captures the cultural implications

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐμπλοκή (empleokē) /em-plok-AY/ – braiding, interweaving
  See G1708
• κόσμος (kosmos) /KOS-mos/ – adornment
  See G2889

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples:
Nominative/Accusative singular: πλέγμα
Genitive singular: πλέγματος
Dative singular: πλέγματι
Plural: πλέγματα

• Cross-references to verb πλέκω and related nouns

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to elaborate hairstyles. Thayer’s notes its broader application to anything woven. LSJ documents extensive usage in fashion contexts. Vine’s highlights its role in discussing modesty. Strong’s connects it to the concept of braiding. LEH provides limited Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from fashion-related papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire” 1 Timothy 2:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλέγμα reminds us that true beauty comes from within. Paul’s teaching using this term isn’t about forbidding beauty but about prioritizing spiritual adornment over external display. The gospel calls us to find our identity in Christ rather than cultural status symbols, emphasizing the beauty of a heart devoted to God.

D – Did You Know?

1. Roman hairstyles described by this word could take up to four hours to create.
2. Archaeological evidence shows these hairstyles often included gold threads and jewels.
3. The term influenced modern hair-styling vocabulary through Latin translations.

Strong’s G4117: A noun referring to braided or woven arrangements, particularly elaborate hairstyles. In New Testament context, it appears in discussions of modest worship attire, addressing cultural practices where complex hairstyles served as status symbols.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: hairstyles, modesty, worship, cultural practices, women’s issues, Timothy, Paul’s teachings, biblical Greek, Roman culture, adornment, inner beauty, Christian priorities​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​