In the biblical context, adornments refer to the various forms of decoration or embellishment used by individuals, particularly in terms of clothing, jewelry, and other personal accessories. The Bible addresses the use of adornments in several passages, often highlighting the spiritual implications and attitudes associated with them.

Old Testament References

Adornments in the Old Testament are often mentioned in the context of cultural practices and religious symbolism. In Genesis 24:22, Abraham's servant gives Rebekah a gold nose ring and bracelets as part of the marriage proposal on behalf of Isaac, indicating the use of jewelry in betrothal customs. Similarly, in Exodus 32:2-3, the Israelites contribute their gold earrings to create the golden calf, demonstrating how adornments could be repurposed for idolatry.

The prophet Isaiah speaks against excessive adornment in Isaiah 3:16-24, where he describes the haughty daughters of Zion and the judgment that will strip them of their finery. This passage underscores the potential for adornments to reflect pride and vanity, which are contrary to a humble and godly character.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the focus shifts more towards the inner qualities of a person rather than external appearances. The Apostle Paul advises women in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, "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, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." Here, Paul emphasizes modesty and good works over outward adornment, suggesting that a woman's true beauty is found in her character and actions.

Similarly, the Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in 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." Peter's exhortation highlights the value of inner spiritual beauty over external decoration.

Cultural and Spiritual Implications

Throughout the Bible, adornments are often seen as symbols of wealth, status, and sometimes idolatry. However, the biblical narrative consistently points believers towards a focus on inner virtues rather than external appearances. The use of adornments is not inherently condemned, but the attitude and intent behind their use are of primary concern. The scriptures encourage believers to prioritize spiritual adornment—qualities such as humility, modesty, and good deeds—over physical embellishments.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on adornments serves as a reminder of the importance of inner beauty and character. While adornments can be a part of cultural expression and personal identity, the Bible calls for a heart that seeks to honor God through modesty and good works, reflecting the true adornment of a life transformed by faith.

Such Outward Adornments Meretricious, and Therefore Unsuitable to ...
... Book II. Chapter XII."Such Outward Adornments Meretricious, and Therefore
Unsuitable to Modest Women. Let us only wish that we ...
/.../on the apparel of women/chapter xii such outward adornments meretricious.htm

Herein is a Mirror to be Blamed, --If Its Clearness is Darkened ...
... it,"and blemishes are not brought to view in it,"it is altogether a damage to comely
things;"seeing that their comeliness gain not"adornments as their ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xvi herein is a.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were
not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

On the Feast of St Agatha, or the Holy virgins
... amorem Domini mei, Jesu Christi. "The kingdom of this world and all secular adornments
have I held in contempt, for the love of my Master Jesus Christ.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon viii on the feast.htm

Whether any Gifts Should be Assigned as Dowry to the Blessed?
... Yet the difficulty remains how this signification can be adapted to the case in
point, since the heavenly adornments are given to the spiritual spouse by the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether any gifts should be.htm

The First Per??an Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two ...
... And then the house had been swept of all the foulness and uncleanness of idolatry,
and garnished with all manner of Pharisaic adornments. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the first peraean.htm

On the Apparel of Women
... Them from Such. Chapter XII.--Such Outward Adornments Meretricious, and
Therefore Unsuitable to Modest Women. Chapter XIII.--It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on the apparel of women/

Letter viii. Who are the Cultivated?
... taste and culture. His house may be "a poem in stone" exteriorly, and a
"symphony in color" in its interior adornments. This much ...
/.../letter viii who are the.htm

Fragrant Graces
... penitent, wash his feet with our tears, and wipe them with the hairs of our head,
like that gracious woman, we may reck nothing, of fair adornments, or fond ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/fragrant graces.htm

Preface
... than applause. It is not, then, for vain and worldly adornments that we solicit
praise, but for salutary prescriptions. Our writings ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/preface.htm

Adornments (2 Occurrences)
...Adornments (2 Occurrences). ... (See JPS). Ezekiel 16:11 And I adorn thee with adornments,
And I give bracelets for thy hands, And a chain for thy neck. (YLT). ...
/a/adornments.htm - 6k

Necklace (9 Occurrences)
... suggestive of pride (Psalm 73:6) or of filial loyalty (Proverbs 1:9). The word does
not occur in the King James Version, but such adornments have always been ...
/n/necklace.htm - 10k

Adorn (13 Occurrences)
... 4:9 Isaiah 61:10 1 Peter 3:4, 5. Consecration to God, the indwelling of His Spirit,
righteousness, a meek and quiet spirit-these are the true adornments of the ...
/a/adorn.htm - 12k

Adornment (7 Occurrences)

/a/adornment.htm - 8k

Neco (9 Occurrences)
... suggestive of pride (Psalm 73:6) or of filial loyalty (Proverbs 1:9). The word does
not occur in the King James Version, but such adornments have always been ...
/n/neco.htm - 11k

Ring (33 Occurrences)
... They were generally worn by rich men (James 2:2). They are mentioned by Isiah
(3:21) among the adornments of Hebrew women. Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/r/ring.htm - 24k

Caesarea (20 Occurrences)
... 2; XV, ix, 6), and the name Caesarea Sebaste was given it in honor of Augustus
(ibid., XVI, v, 1). With his usual magnificence Herod lavished adornments on the ...
/c/caesarea.htm - 20k

Adorned (20 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Ezekiel 16:11 And I adorn thee with adornments, And I
give bracelets for thy hands, And a chain for thy neck. (See NAS NIV). ...
/a/adorned.htm - 12k

Adorns (3 Occurrences)

/a/adorns.htm - 7k

Colors (12 Occurrences)
... of the ark and tabernacle (Exodus 25 Numbers 4:6; Numbers 15:38); to workers in
blue (2 Chronicles 2:7, 14; 2 Chronicles 3:14); to palace adornments (Esther 1:6 ...
/c/colors.htm - 36k

Why does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.org

Adornments: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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