What does it mean to be beautiful? The original Greek and Hebrew words used in the Bible that are translated beauty give some interesting clues. One word describes that which is ripe in its season, produced at the right time. Things are loveliest and best when they are in the right seasons. Life has its seasons and every season can be the prime of life if we best represent that season in which we are now living. The mature beauty of an older person is quite different from that of a twenty-year-old with an attractive appearance. The beauty of an infant is different from the emerging beauty of an older child. Each has its seasonal beauty. Another word is associated with the beauty of holiness, majesty, splendour. YAHVEH has this beauty and those who walk with Him reflect it. Still another Bible word speaks of grace, favour, sweetness, charm. This beauty transcends all of the seasons of life, though it may mature as one grows older.

Combine all of these and there is a special beauty in symphony; physically beautiful and pleasing to behold, filled with grace and charm and pleasing to be with, representing well the proper season of life and filled with the beauty of YAHVEH’s holiness and majesty. Harmonious combination of qualities pleasant to see. Archaeological materials indicate that the ancient Hebrew was concerned more with usefulness than with beauty. Hebrew pottery for example was generally more bulky than Canaanite pottery. Yet such artefacts do not mean that the Hebrews had no aesthetic appreciation. The Old Testament speaks of YAHVEH’s creation as beautiful (Genesis 2:9; Job 26:13; Psalm 19:1-6; Song of Songs 6:10). The land of Canaan is a “pleasant land” (Jeremiah 3:19). Jerusalem is called “beautiful” (Isaiah 52:1; Lamentations 2:15), as is one of its temple gates (Acts 3:2, 10). The Hebrews admired the wild grandeur of the Lebanon mountain range (Psalm 104:16; Isaiah 60:13). The Canaanite city of Tirzah (“beauty”), King Baasha’s capital in the northern kingdom (1 Kings 15:33), was so named for its attractive location.

Although the Hebrews did not exalt the human form as did the ancient Greeks, the Old Testament does idealize physical attractiveness. A bride’s beauty is described eloquently by her bridegroom in love lyrics in Song of Songs 4:1-15; 6:4. Such praise of the bride may have been a traditional feature of Israelite weddings. Several women prominent in the Old Testament are described as beautiful (Genesis 29:17; 2 Samuel 11:2; Esther 2:7). But sensual beauty was secondary to industry, resourcefulness and traditional piety in a woman (Proverbs 31:10-31). A number of men also were known for their physical attractiveness; for example, David (1 Samuel 16:12) and Absalom (2 Samuel 14:25). Cosmetics, jewellery and other accessories were used as female beauty aids in Old Testament times. The prophet Isaiah listed such items (Isaiah 3:18-24) and Ezekiel mentioned cosmetic practices current in his day (Ezekiel 16:10-13). Israelite worship was beautiful too, with the high priest’s elaborate ceremonial robes designed for glory and beauty (Exodus 28:2, 40). The concept of beauty is applied also to YAHVEH in the Old Testament. ADONAI’s favour is called His “beauty” (Psalm 90:17).

Isaiah recorded YAHVEH’s promise to give His people “beauty for ashes” (Isaiah 61:3). The psalmist expressed a desire to spend time in the temple enjoying ADONAI’s beauty, His “incomparable perfections” (Psalm 27:4). Isaiah described YAHVEH as a “diadem of beauty” to the faithful Israelite remnant (Isaiah 28:5) and the Moshiach was spoken of as a beautiful King (33:17). Thus in the Old Testament the concept of beauty had a deeper meaning than simply physical attractiveness. It became a theological concept affirming YAHVEH’s essential glory. The New Testament urges HaMashiach’s followers to live lives that will “adorn” the teaching of the Saviour, making it attractive to non-believers (Titus 2:10). Those who preach the gospel of HaMashiach are spoken of as beautiful (Romans 10:15). The apostles Paul and Peter warned women against being satisfied with outward beauty (1 Timothy 2:9-10), reminding them that beautiful character is the true adornment of godliness (1 Peter 3:3-5). The beauty of the believer’s final home in heaven is reflected in the description of the “new Jerusalem” as a bride and in the symbolism of treasured precious stones of antiquity (sees Revelation 21–22).

BEAUTY IN THE BIBLE

WHAT KIND OF BEAUTY IS REALLY WORTH HAVING?

REAL BEAUTY IS INSIDE THE PERSON.
“Certainly sir, she said and she quickly lowered the jug for him to drink. When he had finished she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough!” (Genesis 24:18-19) Rebekah had physical beauty, but the servant was looking for a sign of inner beauty. Physical appearance is important to us and we spend time and money improving it. But how much effort do we put into developing our inner beauty? Patience, kindness and joy are the beauty treatments that help us become truly lovely-on the inside.

REAL BEAUTY AFFECTS OTHERS POSITIVELY.
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewellery or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to YAHVEH.” (1 Peter 3:3-4) A changed life speaks loudly and clearly and it is often the most effective way to influence a family member. Peter instructs Christian wives to develop inner beauty rather than being overly concerned about their appearance. Their husbands will be won by their love rather than by their looks. Live your Christian faith quietly and consistently in your home and your family will see HaMashiach in you. We should not be obsessed by fashion, but neither should we be so unconcerned that we do not bother to care for ourselves. Hygiene, neatness and grooming are important, but even more important are a person’s attitude and spirit. True beauty begins inside.

REAL BEAUTY IS NOT SELF-CENTERED.
“I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to Elohim should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” (1 Timothy 2:9-10) Apparently, some Christian women were trying to gain respect by looking beautiful rather than becoming Christ-like in character. Some may have thought that they could win unbelieving husbands to HaMashiach through their appearance (see Peter’s counsel to such women in 1 Peter 3:1-6). It is not unscriptural for a woman to want to be attractive. Beauty however, begins inside a person. A gentle, modest, loving character gives a light to the face that cannot be duplicated by the best cosmetics and jewellery in the world. A carefully groomed and well-decorated exterior is artificial and cold unless inner beauty is present.