### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yŏphîy**, represented by `{{H3308}}`, is a term for **beauty**. It appears **19 times** across **19 unique verses** in the Bible. This word describes physical attractiveness, the splendor of cities and kings, and divine magnificence. However, it is also frequently depicted as a potential source of dangerous pride and corruption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3308}}` is used to describe the physical appearance of individuals, such as Queen Vashti, who was brought before the people to "shew... her **beauty**" [[Esther 1:11]]. It is also used to portray the magnificence of cities and nations; Jerusalem is lamented as "The perfection of **beauty**" [[Lamentations 2:15]], and the city of Tyrus boasts, "I am of perfect **beauty**" [[Ezekiel 27:3]]. The Bible also warns that this quality can be a snare, leading to sin when one lusts after another's **beauty** [[Proverbs 6:25]] or trusts in their own, which led Jerusalem to spiritual harlotry [[Ezekiel 16:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the biblical concept of beauty:
* `{{H1892}}` **hebel** (emptiness or vanity): This word is directly contrasted with `{{H3308}}` to highlight its transitory nature. In Proverbs, it states that "beauty is **vain**" [[Proverbs 31:30]].
* `{{H1926}}` **hâdâr** (magnificence, i.e. ornament or splendor): Often used to describe a divine or royal splendor, this word is linked to beauty as a gift from God. Jerusalem's renown for its beauty was made perfect through the Lord's **comeliness** [[Ezekiel 16:14]].
* `{{H3314}}` **yiphʻâh** (splendor or (figuratively) beauty): This term appears alongside `{{H3308}}` to describe its radiant quality. The king of Tyrus corrupted his wisdom by reason of his **brightness**, which was tied to his beauty [[Ezekiel 28:17]].
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom): Beauty is often paired with wisdom, but the two can be in conflict. The king of Tyrus was initially "full of **wisdom**, and perfect in beauty" [[Ezekiel 28:12]], but later his beauty corrupted his **wisdom** [[Ezekiel 28:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3308}}` is significant and often serves as a cautionary tale.
* **A Divine Gift:** Beauty is presented as something originating from God. Zion is the "perfection of **beauty**" from which God "hath shined" [[Psalms 50:2]]. Jerusalem's beauty was made perfect because of the "comeliness" God had put upon it [[Ezekiel 16:14]].
* **A Source of Pride and Corruption:** Scripture frequently warns that beauty can lead to arrogance and moral failure. The king of Tyrus's heart was "lifted up because of thy **beauty**" [[Ezekiel 28:17]], and Jerusalem's trust in its own **beauty** led to spiritual unfaithfulness [[Ezekiel 16:15]].
* **A Mark of Divine Judgment:** The loss of beauty is portrayed as a sign of God's judgment. As a punishment for sin, God declares that there will be "burning instead of **beauty**" [[Isaiah 3:24]].
* **A Glimpse of Future Glory:** Despite its dangers, beauty can also point to a future hope. The prophet promises that the faithful "shall see the king in his **beauty**" [[Isaiah 33:17]], and God's own greatness is described in terms of his goodness and **beauty** [[Zechariah 9:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3308}}` is far more than a simple descriptor of physical appearance. It is a complex biblical concept that can represent divine glory, human achievement, and a dangerous temptation. It illustrates how a divine gift can be corrupted by human pride, as seen in Tyrus and Jerusalem, and stands in contrast to lasting spiritual qualities like the fear of the Lord. The word **yŏphîy** serves as a powerful reminder of the difference between fleeting external qualities and true, enduring worth.
TRV