### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hădârâh**, represented by `{{H1927}}`, refers to **decoration**, **beauty**, and **honour**. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, and as the feminine of הָדָר, it describes a splendor or majesty that is appropriate for both sacred worship and royal dignity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H1927}}` is predominantly used in the context of worshiping God `{{H3068}}`. Four of its five occurrences appear in the distinct phrase "the **beauty** of holiness" ([[Psalms 29:2]], [[1 Chronicles 16:29]], [[2 Chronicles 20:21]], [[Psalms 96:9]]). This connects the concept of beauty directly to the sacred nature of God, establishing it as the proper state for worship `{{H7812}}`. The term is also used to signify royal majesty. In Proverbs, a king's `{{H4428}}` **honour** `{{H1927}}` is defined by the multitude `{{H7230}}` of his people `{{H5971}}`, linking the word to earthly splendor and authority [[Proverbs 14:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of **hădârâh**:
* `{{H6944}}` **qôdesh** (holiness): This word is inseparable from the primary meaning of `{{H1927}}`, appearing with it in the phrase "the **beauty** of holiness" [[Psalms 96:9]]. It defines this beauty as something sacred and set apart for God.
* `{{H3519}}` **kâbôwd** (glory, honour): Often used alongside `{{H1927}}`, this word also conveys splendor. Scripture commands believers to give the Lord **glory** `{{H3519}}` and to worship Him in the **beauty** `{{H1927}}` of holiness, showing a close relationship between the two concepts [[Psalms 29:2]].
* `{{H7812}}` **shâchâh** (worship): This is the action associated with the "beauty of holiness." The command to **worship** `{{H7812}}` is repeatedly paired with this specific type of sacred splendor [[1 Chronicles 16:29]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This term highlights the royal dimension of **hădârâh**. The honour `{{H1927}}` of a **king** `{{H4428}}` is explicitly linked to his people, illustrating a principle of earthly majesty [[Proverbs 14:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1927}}` is seen in its association with both the divine and the royal.
* **The Sanctity of Beauty:** The recurring phrase "the **beauty** of holiness" establishes that true beauty in a spiritual context is derived from God's sacred character. It is a quality to be praised `{{H1984}}` in its own right, as when singers praised it before the army [[2 Chronicles 20:21]].
* **Worshipful Adoration:** Worshippers are called to worship `{{H7812}}` the LORD `{{H3068}}` in this state of sacred **beauty** [[Psalms 29:2]]. This suggests that acknowledging God's holy splendor is a fundamental part of adoration and fear `{{H2342}}` before Him [[Psalms 96:9]].
* **Reflection of Majesty:** The use of **hădârâh** for a king's `{{H4428}}` **honour** demonstrates a parallel between divine and earthly rule. Just as a king's honor is seen in his people, God's splendor is to be recognized and declared by all the earth `{{H776}}` ([[Proverbs 14:28]], [[Psalms 96:9]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1927}}` signifies more than simple adornment. It is a term of weight, describing a majestic splendor that encompasses both **beauty** and **honour**. It is used to characterize the sacred atmosphere of holiness `{{H6944}}` required for worshipping God `{{H3068}}` and to define the honour of a king `{{H4428}}` derived from his people. Ultimately, **hădârâh** bridges the gap between reverence and royalty, showing that the highest beauty and honour are rooted in what is holy.
TRV