Lexical Summary emploké: Braiding, plaiting Original Word: ἐμπλοκή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance elaborate braiding of the hairFrom empleko; elaborate braiding of the hair -- plaiting. see GREEK empleko NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom emplekó Definition (elaborate) braiding (of the hair) NASB Translation braiding (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1708: ἐμπλοκήἐμπλοκή (see ἐν, III. 3), ἐμπλοκῆς, ἡ, (ἐμπλέκω), an interweaving, braiding, a knot: τριχῶν (Lachmann omits), an elaborate gathering of the hair into knots, Vulg.capillatura, (A. V. plaiting), 1 Peter 3:3 (κόμης, Strabo 17, p. 828). Topical Lexicon Scriptural ContextThe single New Testament occurrence of ἐμπλοκή is found in 1 Peter 3:3, where Peter exhorts believing wives: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes” (Berean Standard Bible). The term sits within a broader paragraph (1 Peter 3:1-6) that encourages wives to witness to unbelieving husbands through respectful conduct and a gentle, quiet spirit. Peter contrasts ostentatious coiffures with “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4). Cultural and Historical Background In the first-century Greco-Roman world, elaborate hairstyles signaled social rank, wealth, and connection to imperial fashions. Portrait busts of Empress Flavia and other aristocrats show towering braids, nets, and jeweled pins—styles requiring servants and significant expense. By choosing ἐμπλοκή, Peter evokes this cultural practice and its attendant values of luxury, status, and public display. Jewish literature also critiques such display. Isaiah 3:16-24 catalogs the fineries of Zion’s daughters before warning of coming judgment; these include “well-set hair” and “scarves” (v. 24). Thus Peter speaks into both Jewish and Gentile settings, pointing believers to a countercultural beauty grounded in character. Theological Implications 1. Heart over Appearance God’s consistent concern is inward reality rather than outward show. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Peter’s use of ἐμπλοκή fleshes out this principle for Christian households spread across Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1). 2. Witness through Modesty The command carries evangelistic weight. Unbelieving husbands may be “won over without words” (1 Peter 3:1) when the wife’s character—not her hairstyle—captures attention. Modesty functions as apologetics, displaying the transforming power of the gospel. 3. Freedom from Worldly Bondage Obsession with appearance can enslave. By shifting value from adornment to inner holiness, Peter liberates believers to pursue what “is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4). Practical Application for Christian Living • Personal Evaluation: Believers today face relentless beauty standards. Peter’s injunction invites both women and men to examine motives behind clothing, cosmetics, and social-media images. • Stewardship: Money and time invested in presentation should not eclipse generosity, prayer, or service (Proverbs 31:20, 30). • Discipleship Conversations: Pastors and mentors can use 1 Peter 3:3 to discuss identity in Christ, especially with youth navigating peer pressure. • Worship Settings: Church gatherings ought not become stages for fashion competitions (cf. James 2:1-4). Related Biblical Themes and Passages • 1 Timothy 2:9-10 parallels Peter, urging women to dress “with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds.” Together these texts form a coherent biblical ethic: adornment is permissible, but must never eclipse godliness. Witness of the Early Church Early Christian writers echoed Peter. Tertullian’s “On the Apparel of Women” critiques elaborate hair as feeding vanity. Clement of Alexandria advises simplicity in “Paedagogus,” noting that true beauty is “the likeness of God in the soul.” Their counsel aligns with ἐμπλοκή’s single but potent New Testament appearance. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship • Marriage Counseling: 1 Peter 3:3-4 offers a framework for discussing conflicting expectations over appearance and finances. Summary Though ἐμπλοκή surfaces only once, its placement in 1 Peter 3:3 amplifies a timeless call: adornment must never overshadow the cultivation of inner character. In every age, believers honor Christ best when their outward presentation serves, rather than supplants, “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Forms and Transliterations εμπλοκης εμπλοκής ἐμπλοκῆς εμπλόκια εμπλόκιον εμπλοκίου εμπνεύσεως emplokes emplokês emplokēs emplokē̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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