The term "bedecked" refers to being adorned or decorated, often with ornaments or fine clothing. In the context of the Bible, this concept is frequently associated with the outward display of beauty, wealth, or status, and can carry both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.

Biblical References and Context

1. Adornment and Modesty: The Bible often addresses the theme of adornment in relation to modesty and the inner beauty of a person. In 1 Peter 3:3-4 , it is written, "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, the emphasis is on the value of inner beauty over external decoration.

2. Symbol of Wealth and Status: In the Old Testament, bedecking oneself with jewelry and fine clothing is sometimes depicted as a symbol of wealth and status. For instance, in Ezekiel 16:11-13 , God describes how He adorned Jerusalem: "I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. So you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth." This passage illustrates how God bestowed beauty and splendor upon His people, symbolizing His blessings and favor.

3. Idolatry and Judgment: The Bible also uses the imagery of being bedecked to describe idolatry and the judgment that follows. In Revelation 17:4 , the woman representing Babylon is described as "arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality." This depiction serves as a warning against the seduction of wealth and the spiritual corruption it can bring.

4. Celebration and Worship: In some instances, bedecking is associated with celebration and worship. In Exodus 28:2 , God commands Moses regarding the garments for Aaron, the high priest: "Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor." The adornment of the high priest was intended to reflect the glory of God and the sacredness of worship.

Theological Implications

The concept of being bedecked in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths. It highlights the contrast between external appearances and internal realities, urging believers to prioritize spiritual virtues over material wealth. The adornment of the soul with virtues such as humility, purity, and righteousness is consistently portrayed as more valuable than physical decoration.

Furthermore, the Bible's use of bedecking imagery underscores the importance of worship and reverence for God. Just as the high priest was adorned for service in the temple, believers are called to clothe themselves in righteousness and holiness as they serve and worship the Lord.

In summary, while the Bible acknowledges the beauty and significance of adornment, it consistently points to the greater importance of inner spiritual beauty and the dangers of allowing external appearances to overshadow one's relationship with God.(imp. & p. p.) of Bedeck.7425. Remalyahu -- father of King Pekah of Isr.
... Remaliah. From an unused root and Yahh (perhaps meaning to deck); Jah has bedecked;
Remaljah, an Israelite -- Remaliah. see HEBREW Yahh. 7424, 7425. ...
/hebrew/7425.htm - 6k

Whether the Adornment of Women is Devoid of Mortal Sin?
... on of apparel." Wherefore a gloss of Cyprian says: "Those who are clothed in silk
and purple cannot sincerely put on Christ: those who are bedecked with gold ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the adornment of women.htm

Victor Emmanuel, Emancipator
... his own Son, but sent him forth on the embassage of love, is Jehovah, who has made
the heavens a pavilion of azure, gilded with the sun, and bedecked with stars ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/victor emmanuel emancipator.htm

Palm Sunday
... The dawn and setting sun. Behold thy King to Zion rides. Where He the cross shall
bear; And on that throne with blood bedecked,. His robe of purple wear; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the early church/palm sunday.htm

Whether those of Illegitimate Birth Should be Debarred from ...
... that they should be without reproach, not for the validity but for the lawfulness
of the sacrament, namely that they should be of good repute, bedecked with a ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether those of illegitimate birth.htm

Whether There Should be Different Duties or States in the Church?
... of the Church (Ps.44:10) that she is "surrounded with variety": and a gloss on these
words says that "the Queen," namely the Church, "is bedecked with the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there should be different.htm

Whether There Can be virtue and vice in Connection with Outward ...
... i, 19): "The body should be bedecked naturally and without affectation, with simplicity,
with negligence rather than nicety, not with costly and dazzling ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be virtue.htm

A Savage Duel.
... There must have been an unapproachable majesty in that great face, as so bedecked,
with the indescribable suffering lines ever deepening, He stands before them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/a savage duel.htm

God Rejoicing in the New Creation
... is altogether beyond hope who can take delight in the nightly heavens as he watches
the stars, and feel joy as he treads the meadows all bedecked with kingcups ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/god rejoicing in the new.htm

Sebastian Franck: an Apostle of Inward Religion
... Otherwise, the dead letter of Scripture would make us all heretics and fools, for
everything can be bedecked and defended with texts, therefore let nobody ...
/.../chapter iv sebastian franck an.htm

Thoughts Upon the Knowledge of G0D.
... of a confused Chaos. It was he that bedecked the glorious Canopy of Heaven
with those glittering Spangles the Stars. It was he that ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the knowledge of.htm

Bedecked (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Bedeck. Multi-Version Concordance
Bedecked (2 Occurrences). Revelation 17:4 The woman was ...
/b/bedecked.htm - 7k

Bedeiah (1 Occurrence)

/b/bedeiah.htm - 6k

Bed-cover (1 Occurrence)
Bed-cover. Bed-chambers, Bed-cover. Bedecked . Multi-Version Concordance
Bed-cover (1 Occurrence). ... (BBE). Bed-chambers, Bed-cover. Bedecked . Reference ...
/b/bed-cover.htm - 6k

Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)
... and who, in all likelihood, at least if one may judge from the subsequent example
of the Midianites, had come to the field of war bedecked with jewels and gold ...
/t/tabernacle.htm - 101k

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