or תִּפְאֶרֶת; from פָּאַר; ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively); beauty(-iful), bravery, comely, fair, glory(-ious), honour, majesty.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tiphʼârâh**, represented by `{{H8597}}`, signifies **beauty**, **glory**, or **ornament**. It appears 51 times in 50 unique verses and is derived from a root meaning to gleam or embellish `{{H6286}}`. Its meaning is broad, encompassing both abstract concepts like honor and concrete objects of beauty, used in both literal and figurative senses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8597}}` is used in several key contexts. It describes the inherent majesty of God, as seen in David's prayer where **glory** is listed among God's attributes like power and greatness [[1 Chronicles 29:11]]. The term also denotes physical splendor, such as the "beautiful garments" made for Zion [[Isaiah 52:1]] or the "fair jewels" of Jerusalem [[Ezekiel 16:17]]. It is applied to human character, where a person's **glory** is their discretion to overlook a transgression [[Proverbs 19:11]], and to national identity, where Israel is called God's **glory** [[Isaiah 46:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify and expand upon the concept of glory and beauty:
* `{{H3519}}` **kâbôwd** (glory): Often used alongside `{{H8597}}`, this word, defined as splendor or copiousness, emphasizes weightiness and honor. Priestly garments were made "for **glory** (kâbôwd) and for **beauty** (tiphʼârâh)" [[Exodus 28:2]].
* `{{H5850}}` **ʻăṭârâh** (a crown): This term is frequently paired with `{{H8597}}` to create the powerful image of a "crown of **glory**," representing honor achieved through righteousness or as a divine gift ([[Proverbs 16:31]], [[Isaiah 62:3]]).
* `{{H6286}}` **pâʼar** (beautify, glorify): As the root verb of `{{H8597}}`, it describes the action of bestowing glory. God promises, "I will **glorify** the house of my **glory**" [[Isaiah 60:7]], directly linking the act of beautifying with the resulting state of beauty.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8597}}` is significant, connecting beauty to holiness and divine character.
* **Divine Majesty:** The term is foundational to understanding God's nature. His glory is an essential attribute, part of the majesty of His being and the beauty of His sanctuary ([[1 Chronicles 29:11]], [[Psalms 96:6]]).
* **Reflected Honor:** God bestows **glory** upon His people and His chosen instruments. Israel is identified as His **glory** [[Isaiah 46:13]], and the priestly garments were made for **beauty** to reflect the holiness of their office [[Exodus 28:40]]. Jerusalem is promised she will be a "crown of **glory** in the hand of the LORD" [[Isaiah 62:3]].
* **Moral Beauty:** The concept transcends physical appearance to define ethical virtue. The true **glory** of a person is found in wise and righteous character, such as having the discretion to forgive [[Proverbs 19:11]] or aging in righteousness [[Proverbs 16:31]]. This stands in contrast to the prideful **glory** of the arrogant, which God will punish [[Isaiah 10:12]].
* **Hope and Restoration:** When Israel sins, their **beauty** is lost and cast down [[Lamentations 2:1]]. However, the prophets use `{{H8597}}` to articulate a future hope, where Jerusalem will once again wear its "beautiful garments" and God Himself will become His people's everlasting **glory** ([[Isaiah 52:1]], [[Isaiah 60:19]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8597}}` is a rich and multifaceted term. It is far more than a simple reference to ornament or physical appearance. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding divine majesty, the honor bestowed upon God's people, and the profound connection between ethical character and true beauty. From the splendor of God's sanctuary to the crown of a righteous life, **tiphʼârâh** illustrates how glory is both an attribute of God and a gift He imparts to His creation.
TRV