Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the practice of braiding hair is mentioned in the context of cultural customs and spiritual teachings. The act of braiding, while a common and practical method of styling hair, is also addressed in the Scriptures with regard to modesty and the inner disposition of a person.
Biblical References:1.
1 Timothy 2:9 : "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes." In this passage, the Apostle Paul instructs women in the early church to focus on inner beauty and godliness rather than external adornments. The mention of "braided hair" is symbolic of the cultural practices of the time, where elaborate hairstyles were often associated with wealth and social status. Paul emphasizes modesty and the importance of a heart devoted to God over outward appearances.
2.
1 Peter 3:3-4 : "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." Here, Peter echoes a similar sentiment to that of Paul, urging women to prioritize their spiritual character over physical appearance. The reference to "braided hair" serves as a cultural marker of the time, highlighting the contrast between temporary, external beauty and the enduring beauty of a godly spirit.
Cultural Context:In the Greco-Roman world, elaborate hairstyles, including braids, were often a sign of wealth and social standing. Women of higher status would spend considerable time and resources on their appearance, including intricate braiding, to display their affluence and position. This cultural backdrop provides insight into why the New Testament writers addressed the issue of braided hair, as it was a visible expression of societal values that could detract from the Christian emphasis on humility and inner virtue.
Theological Implications:The biblical references to braided hair are not a condemnation of the practice itself but rather a call to prioritize spiritual values over societal norms. The emphasis is on cultivating a heart that reflects Christ-like qualities, such as modesty, self-control, and a gentle spirit. These passages encourage believers to evaluate their motivations and to ensure that their outward appearance aligns with their commitment to living a life that honors God.
Practical Application:For contemporary Christians, the teachings on braided hair serve as a reminder to focus on the development of inner character and to avoid becoming overly concerned with external appearances. While personal grooming and style are not inherently wrong, they should not overshadow the pursuit of spiritual growth and the demonstration of Christ's love and humility in one's life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. &. p. p.) of Braid.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BRAIDED; BRAIDINGbrad'-ed, brad'-ing (to plegama, "that which is plaited,"1 Timothy 2:9; he emploke, "a plaiting,"1 Peter 3:3): Used with reference to Christian women in two passages where the apostles emphasized the superiority of good works and spiritual grace over outward adornment.
SeeEMBROIDERY.
Greek
4117. plegma -- a braiding... a braiding. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: plegma Phonetic Spelling:
(pleg'-mah) Short Definition:
braided hair, anything interwoven Definition
...Strong's Hebrew
8278. serad -- perhaps plaited orbraided work... 8277, 8278. serad. 8279 . perhaps plaited or
braided work. Transliteration:
serad Phonetic Spelling: (ser-awd') Short Definition: woven.
...Library
Women Adorned with Good Work
... XVII Women adorned with Good Work. Let women adorn themselves; not withbraided
hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but through good works....
Changed Conditions
... been less severely enforced, we found the queue replaced by the most extraordinary
head-dress; the hair, varying in length, was sometimesbraided and sometimes...
The Talking Book
... The law of God should be so dear to us that it should be bound about the
most vital organ of our being;braided about our heart....
Temptation
... But if, again, you met, as you may meet in the tropics, a lovely little coral snake,
braided with red and white, its mouth so small that it seems impossible...
The Talking Book
... The law of God should be so dear to us, that is should be bound about the
most vital organ of our being,braided about our heart....
'The Bridal of the Earth and Sky'
... Let me dwell upon these two couples briefly. 'Mercy and Truth are met together'
means this, that these two qualities are foundbraided and linked inseparably...
Anathema and Grace
... May we not see, in these terrible and tender thoughts thus inextricably intertwined
andbraided together, a revelation of the true nature both of the terror...
The Sixth Passage of Scripture Quoted by victor.
... On no other principle would they be thus admonished with respect to self-adornment.
"Not withbraided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but which...
The Burden-Bearing God
... And that is the tone of the Old Testament throughout, for you will always findbraided
together in the closest vital unity the representation of these two...
Those for whom Christ Prayed --"Sanctify Them. "
... Suddenly an officer in gold-braided cap and blue uniform appeared, and cried out
with an authoritative voice and a look of command, "All ashore who are going...
Thesaurus
Braided (10 Occurrences)... (imp. &. pp) of Braid. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BRAIDED; BRAIDING.
... See
EMBROIDERY. Multi-Version Concordance
Braided (10 Occurrences).
...Rope (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A large, stout cord, usually one not less than
an inch in circumference, made of strands twisted orbraided together....
Filigree (9 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords ofbraided
work: and you shall put thebraided chains on the settings. (See NAS)....
Cords (80 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords ofbraided
work: and you shall put thebraided chains on the settings....
Settings (19 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords ofbraided
work: and you shall put thebraided chains on the settings....
Ends (108 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). Exodus 28:24 You shall put the twobraided
chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate....
Chains (100 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Exodus 28:14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords
ofbraided work: and you shall put thebraided chains on the settings....
Attach (12 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Exodus 28:14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords
ofbraided work: and you shall put thebraided chains on the settings....
Breastplate (45 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY YLT). Exodus 28:22 You shall make on the breastplate chains
like cords, ofbraided work of pure gold. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY YLT)....
Edges (28 Occurrences)
... breastplate. (See RSV). Exodus 28:24 You shall put the twobraided chains of gold
in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. (See RSV)....
Resources
Why does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christian women wear makeup or jewelry? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did blood and water come out of Jesus' side when He was pierced? | GotQuestions.orgBraided: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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