ἱεροπρεπής
hieroprepḗs
G2412 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Characterized by a demeanor or behavior appropriate to sacred matters; befitting what is holy or revered, especially in conduct or manner. The term emphasizes a decorum or propriety associated with sacredness, typically in the context of religious observance or persons fulfilling sacred roles.
Semantic Range
suitable for sacred things, comporting oneself in a manner appropriate for religious or sacred settings, behaving in a manner worthy of the sacred, having characteristics appropriate to holiness, dignified or reverent conduct related to the sacred
Root / Etymology
Compound of ἱερός ('sacred, holy') and the stem of πρέπω ('to be fitting, to be conspicuous'); thus, 'fitting for what is sacred.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἱεροπρεπής appears rarely in extant Greek literature, reflecting a sense of conduct or character that befits the sphere of the sacred. In the context of the New Testament (see Titus 2:3), it describes the demeanor expected of older women, underscoring a dignity or seriousness in keeping with religious propriety. In the Septuagint and other Hellenistic Jewish literature, comparable vocabulary can describe priests or sacred officials whose actions align appropriately with holiness. The English rendering 'as becometh holiness' is interpretive; the word is more precisely about comportment suitable to the sacred, not an abstract idea of holiness per se. Classical and Hellenistic usage outside the New Testament is limited, but when attested, the term refers to visible characteristics or attitudes considered fitting for sacred persons or settings—contrasted, for example, with behavior deemed profane or secular. ἱεροπρεπής in Koine likely preserved these older associations, with increasing focus on ethical and communal standards in religious contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἱερός and the same as πρέπω; reverent:--as becometh holiness.
Root Family
ἱεροπρεπής (hieroprepēs) — befitting the sacred, suitable for holy things, comporting appropriately to religious service
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2412-01 |
ἱεροπρεπεῖς | ieroprepeis | ADJ.S ACC F PL |
reverent | sacred-fitting ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2412-01 |
Titus 2:3 | ἱεροπρεπεῖς | ieroprepeis | ADJ.S ACC F PL |
reverent | sacred-fitting ones |