### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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