The term "comely" is often used in the Bible to describe beauty, attractiveness, or something that is pleasing to the eye or senses. In a biblical context, it can refer to both physical beauty and the beauty of character or behavior that aligns with God's standards.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, "comely" is frequently used to describe physical beauty, particularly in the context of women. For example, in Song of Solomon 1:5 , the Shulammite woman declares, "I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon." Here, "lovely" is synonymous with "comely," indicating an attractiveness that is both physical and deeper in nature.

The term is also used to describe the beauty of Zion or Jerusalem, as seen in Isaiah 52:7 : "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" The beauty here is not just physical but also spiritual, reflecting the glory and righteousness of God's people.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of comeliness extends beyond physical appearance to include the beauty of holiness and righteous living. In 1 Corinthians 12:24 , Paul writes about the body of Christ, saying, "whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it." The idea here is that God has arranged the body of Christ in a way that is comely, or fitting, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual respect among believers.

Spiritual and Moral Implications

From a spiritual perspective, comeliness is often associated with the inner beauty that comes from a life lived in accordance with God's will. Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." This verse highlights the transient nature of physical beauty compared to the enduring comeliness of a godly character.

The Bible also speaks to the comeliness of worship and conduct. In Psalm 93:5 , it is written, "Your testimonies are fully confirmed; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, for endless days." Here, holiness is described as an adornment, suggesting that a life of holiness is comely in the sight of God.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, comeliness was often associated with social status and favor. A comely appearance could lead to preferential treatment or opportunities, as seen in the account of Esther, whose beauty and grace won her favor in the eyes of King Xerxes (Esther 2:17).

However, the Bible consistently emphasizes that true comeliness is found in the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of righteousness. This perspective challenges cultural norms that prioritize outward appearance over inner virtue.

In summary, the biblical concept of comeliness encompasses both physical beauty and the deeper, more enduring beauty of a life aligned with God's principles. It serves as a reminder that while outward appearance may hold some value, it is the inner beauty of a godly character that is truly comely in the eyes of the Lord.1. (a.) Good-looking; handsome; pleasing or agreeable to the sight; well-proportioned.

2. (superl.) Suitable or becoming; proper; agreeable.

3. (adv.) In a becoming manner.

COMELINESS; COMELY

kum'-li-nes, kum'-li: Cognate with "becoming," namely, what is suitable, graceful, handsome. The servant of Yahweh in Isaiah 53:2 is without "comeliness" (hadhar, "honor"), i.e. there is in his appearance nothing attractive, while he is bowed beneath man's sin. "Praise is comely" (na'wah,ff. of na'weh; Psalm 33:1; Psalm 147:1), i.e. suitable or befitting "for the righteous," and, therefore, an honor and glory; "uncomely parts," aschemona (1 Corinthians 12:23), namely, less honorable. See also 1 Samuel 16:18, "a comely person"; Songs 6:4, "comely as Jerusalem." etc.

2158. euschemon -- comely
... comely. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: euschemon Phonetic Spelling:
(yoo-skhay'-mone) Short Definition: comely, honorable Definition: (a) comely ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2158.htm - 7k

4241. prepo -- to be fitting, proper, suitable
... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to be fitting, proper, suitable NASB
Word Usage fitting (4), proper (3). comely. Apparently ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4241.htm - 7k

5000. naveh -- comely, seemly
... 4999, 5000. naveh. 5001 . comely, seemly. Transliteration: naveh Phonetic Spelling:
(naw-veh') Short Definition: lovely. ... becometh, comely, seemly. ...
/hebrew/5000.htm - 6k

4998. naah -- to be comely or befitting
... naah. 4999 . to be comely or befitting. Transliteration: naah Phonetic Spelling:
(naw-aw') Short Definition: lovely. ... be beautiful, become, be comely. ...
/hebrew/4998.htm - 6k

8231b. shaphar -- to be beautiful, fair or comely
... 8231a, 8231b. shaphar. 8232 . to be beautiful, fair or comely. Transliteration:
shaphar Short Definition: beautiful. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/8231b.htm - 5k

5116. naveh -- abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation
... 5115b, 5116. naveh. 5116a . abode of shepherd or flocks, habitation.
Transliteration: naveh Phonetic Spelling: (naw-veh') Short Definition: comely. ...
/hebrew/5116.htm - 6k

8597. tipharah -- beauty, glory
... 1), pomp (1), pride (1), splendor (1). beautiful, brave, comely, fair, glorious,
honor, majesty. Or tiphereth {tif-eh'-reth}; from ...
/hebrew/8597.htm - 6k

3303. yapheh -- fair, beautiful
... sleek (3). beautiful, beauty, comely, fairest, one, goodly, pleasant, well. From
yaphah; beautiful (literally or figuratively) -- + beautiful ...
/hebrew/3303.htm - 6k

2433. chin -- perhaps beauty
... Word Origin from chanan Definition perhaps beauty NASB Word Usage orderly (1). comely.
Another form for chen; beauty -- comely. see HEBREW chen. 2432, 2433. ...
/hebrew/2433.htm - 6k

8389. toar -- outline, form
... be drawn, mark out. From ta'ar; outline, ie Figure or appearance -- + beautiful,
X comely, countenance, + fair, X favoured, form, X goodly, X resemble, visage. ...
/hebrew/8389.htm - 6k

8390. Taarea -- a descendant of Saul
... of Saul, the same as NH8475 NASB Word Usage Tarea (1). beautiful, comely, countenance,
fair, favored, goodly. Perhaps from ara'; Taarea, an Israelite -- Tarea. ...
/hebrew/8390.htm - 6k

3190. yatab -- to be good, well, glad, or pleasing
... or figuratively (happy, successful, right) -- be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit,
be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, + be content ...
/hebrew/3190.htm - 7k

It is a Comely Thing
... It is a comely thing. tr., John Brownlie 6,6,8,6. deute proskunesomen kai prospesomen
auto. (kontakion). I. It is a comely thing. To glorify and praise. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the greek church/it is a comely thing.htm

Thy Cheeks are Comely as a Turtle Dove's; Thy Neck as Jewels.
... CHAPTER I. 9. Thy cheeks are comely as a turtle dove's; thy neck as jewels. The
cheeks signify the interior and exterior; they are comely as a turtle dove's. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/9 thy cheeks are comely.htm

I am Black, but Comely, O Ye Daughters of Jerusalem, as the Tents ...
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 4. I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem,
as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 i am black but.htm

To Praise is Comely, O My Soul,
... MEDITATIONS To praise is comely, O my soul,. tr., John Brownlie 8.6.8.6.8.8.
I. To praise is comely, O my soul,. To God this homage pay; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/to praise is comely o.htm

Behold, Thou Art Fair, My Beloved, and Comely; Our Bed is Adorned ...
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 15. Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, and comely;
our bed is adorned with flowers. The loving soul seeing ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/15 behold thou art fair.htm

Thou Art Beautiful, O My Love, Sweet and Comely as Jerusalem ...
... CHAPTER VI. 3. Thou art beautiful, O my love, sweet and comely as Jerusalem,
terrible as an army set in array. The Bridegroom finding ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/3 thou art beautiful o.htm

Rules for visits, Exorcisms, and How People are to Assist the Sick ...
... Moreover, also, this is comely and useful, that a man "visit orphans and widows,"
[409] and especially those poor persons who have many children. ...
/.../two epistles concerning virginity/chapter xii rules for visits exorcisms.htm

Chapter i
... into his storechambers; we will exult and be glad in thee, remembering thy breasts
are better than wine, the upright love thee.5. I am black, but comely, O ye ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter i.htm

What Priests Should be and Should not Be.
... This too, again, is comely, that a man should not be envious of his neighbour.
And moreover, again, it is suitable and comely that ...
/.../two epistles concerning virginity/chapter xiii what priests should be.htm

The Washing Away of Sins is Indicated by the White Robes of the ...
... The washing away of sins is indicated by the white robes of the catechumens,
whence the Church speaks of herself as black and comely. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii the washing away.htm

Comely (32 Occurrences)
... COMELINESS; COMELY. kum'-li-nes, kum'-li: Cognate with "becoming," namely, what
is suitable, graceful, handsome. ... "Praise is comely" (na'wah,ff. ...
/c/comely.htm - 16k

Comeliness (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being comely. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COMELINESS; COMELY. kum'-li ...
/c/comeliness.htm - 10k

Goodly (46 Occurrences)
... 1. (adv.) Excellently. 2. (superl.) Pleasant; agreeable; desirable. 3. (superl.)
of pleasing appearance or character; comely; graceful. ...
/g/goodly.htm - 25k

Countenance (67 Occurrences)
... The countenance (mar'eh) is"fair" (1 Samuel 17:42 2 Samuel 14:27 Daniel 1:15); in
1 Samuel 16:12, literally, "fair of eyes"; "comely" (Songs 2:14); "beautiful ...
/c/countenance.htm - 30k

Handsome (15 Occurrences)
... Agreeable to the eye or to correct taste; having a pleasing appearance or expression;
attractive; having symmetry and dignity; comely; -- expressing more than ...
/h/handsome.htm - 11k

Speech (107 Occurrences)
... I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty
man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a comely person; and ...
/s/speech.htm - 36k

Valor (45 Occurrences)
... I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty
man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a comely person; and ...
/v/valor.htm - 21k

Valour (66 Occurrences)
... seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is skilful in playing, and a mighty
man of valor, and a man of war, and prudent in speech, and a comely person; and ...
/v/valour.htm - 26k

Uncovered (78 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Corinthians 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely
that a woman pray unto God uncovered? (KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/u/uncovered.htm - 32k

Uncomely (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Not comely. -- adv. In an uncomely manner.
Multi-Version Concordance Uncomely (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians ...
/u/uncomely.htm - 7k

Comely: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus