πλέγμα
plégma
G4117 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A braided or plaited structure, especially of hair; refers specifically to hair styled by interweaving strands. In wider Greek usage, denotes any kind of woven or interlaced form, but in the New Testament appears only with reference to elaborate hairstyles (typically of women), often involving intricate braids or twists.
Semantic Range
a plaited or braided structure, woven or twisted form, intricately-arranged hair, mesh or network (generally), specific reference to elaborate braided hairstyles
Root / Etymology
From πλέκω (plekō, 'to braid, to twine, to weave'). Derived by adding the neuter suffix -μα, forming a noun indicating the result or product of the action (a braid or plait).
Historical & Contextual Notes
Earliest attestations of πλέγμα are in classical Greek, where it broadly means any 'thing woven' or 'network'—including latticework, meshes, nets, or other woven objects. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, the term continues to mean a physical or metaphorical interweaving, such as of reeds, metal, or hair. In the New Testament (1 Peter 3:3), it specifically refers to elaborate braiding or styling of women's hair, an ornate cosmetic practice among Roman-era women and some Hellenistic societies. The Latin equivalent would be 'plexus' or 'crinis implicatus.' English translations like 'braiding of hair,' 'plaiting,' or (more archaically) 'broidered hair' only convey one nuance; the Greek term could also encompass other forms of intricate interweaving, although the New Testament usage narrows to personal adornment. Not to be confused with the adjective or participle built from the same root. In contrast, terms like ἁπλοῦς ('simple') were sometimes used to contrast ornate plaiting with modest or unadorned appearance. The term is rare outside biblical and artistic-adornment contexts in this period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πλέκω; a plait (of hair):--broidered hair.
Root Family
πλέγμα (plégma) — braided structure, plait, woven form, twined result
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4117-01 |
πλέγμασιν | plegmasin | N DAT N PL |
braided hair | with braids | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4117-01 |
1 Timothy 2:9 | πλέγμασιν | plegmasin | N DAT N PL |
braided hair | with braids |