The Greek word polytelḗs, represented by G4185, means extremely expensive. Derived from πολύς (polýs) and τέλος (télos), it is translated as "costly," "very precious," or "of great price." It appears only 3 times in 3 unique verses, highlighting its specific application to items and qualities of high value.
In its biblical usage, G4185 describes both material and spiritual worth. It is used to characterize a physical object of high monetary value, such as the alabaster box of "very precious" ointment of spikenard that a woman poured on Jesus' head Mark 14:3. The word is also used in a cautionary sense, where women are instructed to adorn themselves with modesty and sobriety, not with "broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array" 1 Timothy 2:9. Most significantly, the term is elevated to describe a spiritual attribute, identifying a "meek and quiet spirit" as something that is "of great price" in the sight of God 1 Peter 3:4.
Several related words help clarify the concept of value, both external and internal:
- G3464 mýron: This word for perfumed oil or ointment refers to the tangible, valuable substance described as "very precious" in Mark 14:3.
- G5557 chrysós: Meaning gold, this word often appears in lists of worldly treasures. In 1 Timothy 2:9, it is mentioned alongside "pearls" and "costly array" as an external adornment to be avoided in favor of inner virtues.
- G3135 margarítēs: A pearl, this word is another example of a luxury item. It is contrasted with true adornment in 1 Timothy 2:9 and is elsewhere used to describe things of great value, such as the kingdom of heaven Matthew 13:45.
- G862 áphthartos: Meaning undecaying or "not corruptible," this term describes the eternal quality of the inner ornament that is "of great price" 1 Peter 3:4, contrasting it with the corruptible nature of material wealth.
The theological significance of G4185 lies in its use to contrast different measures of value.
- Earthly Valuables: The word acknowledges the existence of items that are materially expensive, such as the "very precious" spikenard Mark 14:3 and "costly" array 1 Timothy 2:9.
- A Higher Standard: Scripture uses G4185 to pivot from a worldly standard of value to a divine one. The instruction in 1 Timothy 2:9 explicitly places inner qualities like sobriety above expensive external decoration.
- Spiritual Worth: The concept culminates in 1 Peter 3:4, where that which is truly "of great price" is not a physical commodity but the internal "hidden man of the heart." A meek and quiet spirit possesses a value that is recognized in the sight of God, establishing it as the ultimate treasure.
In summary, G4185 is a specific term that encapsulates the idea of being "extremely expensive." While it can refer to tangible luxury goods like ointment and fine clothing, its primary theological function is to draw a sharp distinction between worldly riches and spiritual character. By applying the same language of high value to a "meek and quiet spirit," the Bible redefines what should be considered truly precious, shifting the focus from perishable, external adornments to the incorruptible qualities of the heart.
TRV