### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective πολυτελής (polytelḗs), Strong's `{{G4185}}`, is a compound word derived from πολύς (polys), meaning "much" or "many," and τέλος (telos), which in this context refers to "cost," "expense," or "price." Thus, the literal meaning is "of much cost" or "very expensive." Its semantic range encompasses notions of being "costly," "very precious," or "of great price." The term primarily denotes a high monetary value, implying something that commands a significant financial outlay due to its rarity, quality, or desirability. However, its usage in biblical contexts extends beyond mere economic valuation to touch upon spiritual worth and the allocation of resources.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πολυτελής appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering distinct contextual insights:
1. **[[Mark 14:3]]**: "And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, πολυτελοῦς (polyteloûs), very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head."
* **Context**: This passage describes Mary's extravagant act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. The word πολυτελοῦς emphasizes the immense value of the ointment, which the disciples immediately quantify as being worth "more than three hundred denarii" ([[Mark 14:5]]). This highlights the sacrificial nature of Mary's devotion; she offered something of extraordinary material worth as an act of worship and preparation for Jesus' burial. The "costliness" underscores the depth of her love and the unreserved nature of her offering, contrasting sharply with the disciples' pragmatic, yet spiritually shortsighted, assessment.
2. **[[1 Timothy 2:9]]**: "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or πολυτελεῖ (polytelê), costly clothing,"
* **Context**: Here, πολυτελεῖ is used in a prescriptive manner concerning the adornment of Christian women. Paul admonishes against outward displays of wealth and ostentation, specifically mentioning "costly clothing" alongside elaborate hairstyles, gold, and pearls. In this context, "costly" signifies attire that is excessively expensive or luxurious, drawing attention to worldly status rather than inner godliness. The emphasis is on modesty, discretion, and a focus on "good works" ([[1 Timothy 2:10]]) as the true and enduring adornment for believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
πολυτελής shares semantic proximity with other Greek words related to value and expense. A closely related term is `{{G4188}}` (πολύτιμος, polytimos), meaning "very precious" or "very valuable," which also appears in the anointing narrative in some manuscripts ([[Matthew 26:7]], [[John 12:3]]) and in [[1 Peter 1:7]] regarding the testing of faith. While both terms convey high value, πολυτελής often emphasizes the *cost* or *expense* involved, whereas πολύτιμος tends to focus on the inherent *preciousness* or *worth*. However, in practice, their meanings frequently overlap.
Other related concepts include:
* **Sacrifice and Offering**: The use in [[Mark 14:3]] connects πολυτελής to the idea of giving one's best, even at great personal cost, as an act of worship.
* **Stewardship**: The disciples' reaction in Mark raises questions of resource allocation and whether "costly" items are best utilized for devotion or for the poor.
* **Modesty and Humility**: In [[1 Timothy 2:9]], the word stands in opposition to pride, ostentation, and worldliness, emphasizing the importance of inner character over outward display.
* **Inner vs. Outer Adornment**: The contrast in 1 Timothy highlights the spiritual value of good deeds over the temporal value of material possessions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πολυτελής lies in its ability to illuminate core Christian values concerning wealth, worship, and personal conduct.
In the context of worship ([[Mark 14:3]]), the "costly" ointment symbolizes radical devotion. It challenges a utilitarian view of resources, suggesting that true worship may involve an "extravagance" that transcends mere practical utility. This act foreshadows Jesus' own "costly" sacrifice on the cross, where He gave His life—the most precious offering imaginable—for humanity. The word thus prompts reflection on the nature of our offerings to God: are they merely convenient, or do they reflect a willingness to give something truly valuable?
Conversely, in the context of personal conduct ([[1 Timothy 2:9]]), "costly clothing" represents a misplaced emphasis on outward appearance and worldly status. Here, πολυτελής serves as a cautionary word against pride, materialism, and distraction from spiritual priorities. The theological implication is that genuine beauty and worth for a believer are found not in external adornment, however expensive, but in a transformed character, modesty, and a life rich in "good works." This underscores the New Testament's consistent call to prioritize the unseen, eternal realities over the visible, temporal ones.
Collectively, the occurrences of πολυτελής invite believers to discern where true value lies and how resources, whether material or personal, are best expended in light of God's kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek word πολυτελής (`{{G4185}}`), meaning "extremely expensive" or "very precious," appears twice in the New Testament, offering profound theological insights. In [[Mark 14:3]], it describes the "very costly" ointment used to anoint Jesus, highlighting an act of unreserved devotion and sacrificial worship that transcends material valuation. This instance underscores the nature of true offering to Christ. In contrast, [[1 Timothy 2:9]] uses πολυτελής to describe "costly clothing" that Christian women should avoid, emphasizing the importance of modesty, inner character, and good works over outward, ostentatious display. Together, these uses of πολυτελής challenge believers to critically examine their values, distinguishing between earthly extravagance and genuine spiritual worth, and ultimately calling for a life that prioritizes devotion to God and humble character over material possessions.
TRV