The term "adornest" is an archaic form of the verb "adorn," which means to decorate or add beauty to something. In the context of the Bible, adorning often refers to the way individuals present themselves, both outwardly and inwardly, in a manner that reflects their faith and values.

Biblical Context

The concept of adorning is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, emphasizing both physical and spiritual aspects. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul provide guidance on how believers should adorn themselves, focusing on modesty and the inner qualities of the heart.

1. 1 Peter 3:3-4 : "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." Here, Peter advises Christian women to prioritize inner beauty over external appearances. The emphasis is on cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit, which is highly valued by God.

2. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 : "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." Paul echoes a similar sentiment, urging women to dress modestly and focus on good deeds as a reflection of their devotion to God.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, adorning is often associated with preparation and purification, especially in the context of worship and covenant relationships.

1. Exodus 33:5-6 : "For the LORD had said to Moses, 'Tell the Israelites, "You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments, and I will decide what to do with you."' So the Israelites stripped themselves of their ornaments from Mount Horeb onward." Here, the removal of ornaments signifies repentance and humility before God, as the Israelites prepare to renew their covenant with Him.

2. Isaiah 61:10 : "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." This passage uses the imagery of adornment to describe the joy and righteousness bestowed upon the faithful by God, likening it to the beauty of a bride and groom on their wedding day.

Spiritual Adornment

Beyond physical appearance, the Bible emphasizes the importance of spiritual adornment. Believers are encouraged to "put on" virtues that reflect their faith and commitment to Christ.

1. Colossians 3:12-14 : "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity." Paul instructs Christians to adorn themselves with virtues that promote unity and love within the body of Christ.

In summary, the biblical concept of adorning extends beyond mere physical appearance to encompass the spiritual qualities and virtues that believers are called to cultivate. Through modesty, good deeds, and the pursuit of inner beauty, Christians are encouraged to reflect the character of Christ in their lives.

God's World
... We say, 'The light shines:' David says something more; he says, "Thou, O God, adornest
Thyself with light as with a curtain." Light is a picture of God. ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon i gods world.htm

John xii. 42, 43
... Why adornest thou thy body, while thy soul is neglected, possessed by uncleanness?
Why bestowest thou not so much thought on thy soul, as thy body? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxix john xii 42.htm

Titus ii. 5-Feb
... servants. Look not to this, my good friend, that thou servest a man, but
that thy service is to God, that thou adornest the Gospel. ...
/.../homily iv titus ii 5-feb.htm

1 Timothy i. 15, 16
... [1141] It is not for thyself, but to attract crowds of lovers, that thou thus adornest
thy person, and insultest thy Creator. And do not say, "What can I do? ...
/.../homily iv 1 timothy i.htm

Hebrews vi. 13-16
... Oftentimes thou adornest with vestments innumerable, of varied colors and wrought
with gold, a dead body, insensible, no longer perceiving the honor; whilst ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xi hebrews vi 13-16.htm

Rom. vi. 5
... But this does not happen when thou adornest thy soul, for then men, and
angels, and the Lord of angels, all weave thee a crown. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xi rom vi 5.htm

Treatise iii. On the Lapsed.
... Although thou clothest thyself in foreign garments and silken robes, thou art naked;
although thou adornest thyself to excess both in pearls, and gems, and gold ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iii on the lapsed.htm

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... do? For thou puttest on thy purple, for thou adornest thyself with golden
ornaments, for thou rentest thine eyes with painting. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 3. <. ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Adornest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Adornest (1 Occurrence). ... For thou puttest on scarlet,
For thou adornest thyself 'with' ornaments of gold. ...
/a/adornest.htm - 6k

Adorned (20 Occurrences)

/a/adorned.htm - 12k

Kicked (9 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Jeremiah 4:30 And thou, O spoiled one, what dost thou? For thou puttest
on scarlet, For thou adornest thyself 'with' ornaments of gold. ...
/k/kicked.htm - 9k

Doting (5 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 4:30 And thou, O spoiled one, what dost thou? For thou puttest on
scarlet, For thou adornest thyself 'with' ornaments of gold. ...
/d/doting.htm - 8k

Puttest (18 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Jeremiah 4:30 And thou, O spoiled one, what dost thou? For thou puttest
on scarlet, For thou adornest thyself 'with' ornaments of gold. ...
/p/puttest.htm - 12k

Adorneth (2 Occurrences)

/a/adorneth.htm - 7k

Adorn (13 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Jeremiah 4:30 And thou, O spoiled one, what dost thou? For thou puttest
on scarlet, For thou adornest thyself 'with' ornaments of gold. ...
/a/adorn.htm - 12k

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