from ἱερός and the same as πρέπω; reverent:--as becometh holiness.
Transliteration:hieroprepḗs
Pronunciation:hee-er-op-rep-ace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G2412 (ἱεροπρεπής, *hieroprepḗs*) is a compound adjective formed from two significant roots: ἱερός (hieros, `{{G2413}}`), meaning "holy" or "sacred," and πρέπω (prepō, `{{G4241}}`), meaning "to be fitting," "proper," or "becoming." Thus, the word intrinsically conveys the idea of conduct or demeanor that is appropriate to a sacred context or befitting a holy status. Its semantic range encompasses reverence, dignity, and decorum, specifically in relation to that which is sacred or set apart for God. It implies not merely an outward appearance of piety, but an inner disposition of respect and awe that naturally manifests in one's actions, bearing, and overall manner. The English translation "as becometh holiness" accurately captures this nuanced meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2412 (ἱεροπρεπής) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's epistle to Titus:
* **[[Titus 2:3]]**: "Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good." (ESV)
* The phrase "reverent in behavior" translates ἐν καταστήματι ἱεροπρεπεῖς (en katastemati hieroprepeis). The word κατάστημα (katastēma, `{{G2688}}`) refers to one's bearing, deportment, or outward conduct.
* In this context, Paul is giving instructions to Titus concerning the proper conduct of various groups within the Cretan churches. For older women (πρεσβύτιδας), their behavior (καταστήματι) is to be ἱεροπρεπεῖς. This means their conduct must be consistent with their sacred calling as believers, set apart for God.
* This "reverent behavior" is then contrasted with negative characteristics: "not slanderers" (μὴ διαβόλους) and "not enslaved to much wine" (μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ δεδουλωμένας). These contrasts highlight that ἱεροπρεπής involves both positive embodiment of holiness and abstinence from behaviors that would desecrate one's sacred identity or bring disrepute to the Christian faith.
* The purpose of such conduct is explicitly stated: "that they may teach what is good" (ἵνα καλoδιδασκάλους ὦσιν). Their ἱεροπρεπής lifestyle serves as a living example and qualifies them to instruct younger women in godly living, ensuring that "the word of God may not be reviled" ([[Titus 2:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G2412 (ἱεροπρεπής) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other significant Greek terms:
* **ἱερός (hieros, `{{G2413}}`)**: The root word for "holy" or "sacred." hieroprepḗs describes the *manner* in which one lives out being hieros.
* **πρέπω (prepō, `{{G4241}}`)**: The other root, meaning "to be fitting" or "proper." This highlights the aspect of appropriateness and suitability in conduct.
* **ἅγιος (hagios, `{{G40}}`)**: "Holy" or "sanctified." While hagios broadly refers to being set apart for God, hieroprepḗs specifies the *behavior* that is consonant with that state of being hagios.
* **εὐσέβεια (eusebeia, `{{G2150}}`)**: "Godliness" or "piety." This term denotes a general attitude of reverence and devotion towards God. hieroprepḗs can be seen as a specific manifestation or expression of eusebeia in one's outward demeanor.
* **σεμνότης (semnotēs, `{{G4587}}`)**: "Gravity," "dignity," or "seriousness." This word often appears in Pauline lists of Christian virtues (e.g., [[1 Timothy 2:2]], [[1 Timothy 3:4]], [[Titus 2:7]]) and shares conceptual overlap with hieroprepḗs in emphasizing a respectful and honorable bearing.
* **κόσμιος (kosmios, `{{G2887}}`)**: "Orderly," "respectable," or "modest." Used to describe the conduct of deacons and women in the church ([[1 Timothy 3:2]], [[1 Timothy 3:8]], [[1 Timothy 2:9]]), it underscores the importance of a well-ordered and appropriate lifestyle.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G2412 (ἱεροπρεπής) in [[Titus 2:3]] carries profound theological weight, particularly regarding the lived expression of holiness:
* **Embodied Holiness**: hieroprepḗs underscores that Christian holiness is not merely a theological status or an internal spiritual state, but a tangible reality expressed through one's conduct. It calls believers to live in a manner that visibly reflects their sacred identity in Christ, demonstrating that they are truly "set apart" for God.
* **Witness and Apologetic**: The behavior described by hieroprepḗs is crucial for the church's witness to the world. When believers, especially those in leadership or mentoring roles, live in a way that "becomes holiness," it validates the truth of the gospel and prevents the "word of God from being reviled" ([[Titus 2:5]]). Conversely, unholy conduct can bring dishonor to God's name and hinder the spread of the gospel.
* **Generational Discipleship**: In the context of [[Titus 2]], hieroprepḗs is specifically enjoined upon older women so that they can effectively "teach what is good" to younger women. This highlights the importance of exemplary conduct in discipleship and mentoring. The lived reality of holiness is a powerful pedagogical tool, demonstrating how faith is to be integrated into daily life.
* **Reverence for God**: At its core, hieroprepḗs springs from an internal reverence for God. It is an acknowledgment that one's life is lived before a holy God, and therefore, all actions should reflect that sacred relationship. It calls for a serious, dignified approach to Christian living, distinct from the casual or irreverent attitudes of the world.
* **Integrity of the Sacred**: The term implies that the believer's life is itself a sacred space or offering. Therefore, conduct must maintain the integrity and purity of that sacredness, avoiding anything that would defile or diminish it.
### Summary
The Greek word G2412 (ἱεροπρεπής, *hieroprepḗs*) is a potent descriptor of conduct that is "as becometh holiness" or "fitting for sacred things." Derived from the roots for "holy" and "proper," it uniquely appears in [[Titus 2:3]] to prescribe the demeanor of older women in the church. This single occurrence emphasizes that a believer's outward bearing, actions, and overall manner must consistently reflect their sacred identity and calling in Christ. hieroprepḗs is more than mere outward conformity; it is the visible manifestation of an inner reverence for God and a deep understanding of one's sanctified status. It underscores the critical role of exemplary conduct in Christian witness, discipleship, and the preservation of the gospel's integrity, ensuring that the lives of believers honor God and commend His truth to a watching world.
TRV