Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Beautifying, in a biblical context, refers to the act of making something beautiful or enhancing its appearance. This concept can be applied to physical adornment, spiritual enrichment, or the glorification of God's creation. The Bible often associates beauty with God's handiwork, the adornment of the tabernacle and temple, and the inner beauty of a righteous life. Biblical References: 1. Creation and Nature: The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God brings beauty into existence. Genesis 1:31 states, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." The beauty of creation reflects God's glory and craftsmanship, as seen in Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." 2. The Tabernacle and Temple: The construction of the tabernacle and later the temple involved detailed instructions for beautification, symbolizing God's holiness and majesty. Exodus 28:2 describes the garments for Aaron, the high priest, as "sacred garments for glory and for beauty." Similarly, 1 Kings 6 details the ornate design of Solomon's temple, emphasizing the importance of beauty in worship spaces. 3. Adornment and Modesty: The Bible addresses physical adornment, particularly in the context of modesty and inner beauty. 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises, "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." 4. Spiritual Beautification: Spiritual beautification involves cultivating virtues and living a life that reflects God's character. Isaiah 61:3 speaks of God giving "a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." This transformation highlights the beauty of a life redeemed and sanctified by God. 5. The Church as the Bride of Christ: The New Testament portrays the Church as the bride of Christ, adorned for her husband. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's love for the Church, "to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." 6. Eternal Beauty: The Bible promises eternal beauty in the new creation. Revelation 21:2 describes the New Jerusalem as "prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." This imagery conveys the ultimate beautification of God's people and creation in the eschatological fulfillment of His promises. Theological Implications: Beautifying in the biblical sense transcends mere physical appearance, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality. It reflects God's nature, His creative power, and His redemptive work in humanity. The emphasis on inner beauty and spiritual adornment underscores the transformative power of God's grace and the call to live a life that glorifies Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Beautify.Library That He Instructed the Governors Concerning the Beautifying of the ... Concerning Good, Light, Beauty, Love, Ecstasy, Jealousy, and that ... Concerning "Good," "Light," "Beautiful," "Desire," "Ecstasy ... That Divine and Heavenly Things are Appropriately Revealed, Even ... History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5 Cheer Up, My Comrades! Concerning the Seraphim and Cherubim and Thrones, and Concerning ... Sanctification Simplified Spelling. Blighted Blossoms Thesaurus Beautifying (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Beautify. Multi-Version Concordance Beautifying (1 Occurrence). Esther 2:12 Each young ... /b/beautifying.htm - 7k Beautify (10 Occurrences) Xerxes (24 Occurrences) Ornamental (4 Occurrences) Woman's (20 Occurrences) Fragrances (2 Occurrences) Paint (3 Occurrences) Preparations (16 Occurrences) Beautification (1 Occurrence) Cosmetics (3 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about a Christian having plastic / cosmetic surgery? | GotQuestions.orgBeautifying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beautifying (1 Occurrence)Esther 2:12 Subtopics Related Terms |