Lexical Summary hieroprepés: Reverent, befitting holiness Original Word: ἱεροπρεπής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reverentFrom hieros and the same as prepo; reverent -- as becometh holiness. see GREEK hieros see GREEK prepo HELPS Word-studies 2412 hieroprepḗss (from hieron, "a sacred place, a temple," and 4241 /prépō, "fitting") –"befitting men, places, actions, or things sacred to God, reverent" (K. Wuest); "suited to a sacred character, reverend" (Abbott-Smith). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hieros and prepó Definition reverent NASB Translation reverent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2412a: ἱερόθυτοςἱερόθυτος, ἱερόθυτόν (from ἱερός and θύω, cf. εἰδωλόθυτος), sacrificed, offered in sacrifice, to the gods; as in Plutarch, symp. 8, 8, 3 at the beginning, used of the flesh of animals offered in sacrifice: 1 Corinthians 10:28 L text T Tr WH. On the use of the word in Greek writings cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 159. STRONGS NT 2412: ἱεροπρεπήςἱεροπρεπής, ἱεροπρεπες (from ἱερός, and πρέπει it is becoming), befitting men, places, actions or things sacred to God; reverent: Titus 2:3. (4 Macc. 9:25; 11:19; Plato, Philo, Josephus, Lucian, others) (Cf. Trench, § 92, under the end.) Strong’s Greek 2412 carries the idea of conduct that is “fitting for the temple,” drawing on priestly imagery that evokes awe, respect, and dignity before God. It portrays a life whose outward behavior is shaped by an inward awareness of God’s holiness, causing every word and deed to be treated as if performed in the very courts of the Lord. Biblical Occurrence The word appears once in the New Testament—Titus 2:3. Paul exhorts, “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or enslaved to much wine. They are to teach what is good” (Titus 2:3). Nestled within a series of practical instructions to various age groups in the church, the term serves as the keynote for the mature woman’s lifestyle. Her demeanor is to be so permeated with reverence that it becomes a living testimony of sanctity. Connection to Temple Theology In Scripture, the temple is the meeting place between God and humanity, characterized by holiness (Psalm 29:2; Isaiah 6:1–5). By employing temple language for Christian conduct, the New Testament highlights the truth that the believer’s body and community are now the dwelling place of God’s Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16). Thus, reverent behavior is not limited to public worship but encompasses the whole of life as an ongoing priestly service (Romans 12:1). Role in Pastoral Instruction Titus 2:1–10 forms a curriculum for sound doctrine expressed in daily living. Each demographic receives tailored exhortations so that “in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10). For older women, reverence safeguards their ministry to younger women (Titus 2:4–5). Paul assumes that credibility in teaching flows from observable holiness. This pattern echoes Jesus’ model—“For their sakes I sanctify Myself, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth” (John 17:19). Reverence as Veneration of God The term encompasses: 1. God-ward awe: An inner recognition of God’s majesty (Hebrews 12:28). Such reverence mirrors Old Testament priestly standards (Leviticus 10:3) and New Testament calls to “be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). Historical Context in Greco-Roman Culture In the first-century Mediterranean world, older women often held social influence within households. However, pagan cults sometimes involved excessive wine and unbridled speech. By urging reverence, Paul sets Christian women apart from prevailing norms, turning domestic centers into hubs of discipleship. The church becomes a counter-culture where age is honored not merely for experience but for godliness. Application to Contemporary Ministry 1. Women’s discipleship: Churches that encourage seasoned women to model reverent lifestyles find a reservoir of wisdom for younger generations. Related Biblical Words and Themes • Semnos (“dignified”) – 1 Timothy 3:8 Together these words weave a tapestry of holiness that engages every believer. Practical Spiritual Formation 1. Scripture meditation on God’s holiness (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4). Conclusion Strong’s Greek 2412 distills the essence of a life lived “before God.” Though it occurs only once, its temple-saturated nuance radiates through the entire biblical canon, inviting believers—especially the mature—to offer a daily liturgy of reverent conduct that proclaims the beauty of the gospel. |
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