In the Bible, the concept of physical attractiveness, including being "handsome," is mentioned in various contexts, often highlighting the outward appearance of individuals. While the Bible acknowledges physical beauty, it frequently emphasizes the importance of inner character and godliness over mere external appearance.

Biblical Examples of Handsome Individuals:

1. David: One of the most notable figures described as handsome is David, the shepherd boy who became the king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:12, when Samuel anoints David, the text notes, "So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him; this is the one.'" David's physical appearance is mentioned, but it is his heart that God values most, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, where the LORD tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart."

2. Joseph: Another example is Joseph, the son of Jacob, who is described as handsome in Genesis 39:6: "Now Joseph was well-built and handsome." His attractiveness is noted in the context of Potiphar's wife attempting to seduce him, highlighting the potential challenges and temptations that can accompany physical beauty.

3. Absalom: Absalom, the son of David, is also described as exceptionally handsome. 2 Samuel 14:25 states, "Now in all Israel there was no one as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him." Despite his physical attractiveness, Absalom's account is a cautionary tale of pride and rebellion against his father, King David.

Theological Insights:

The Bible often contrasts physical beauty with inner virtue. Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." This verse underscores the transient nature of physical attractiveness and the enduring value of a godly character.

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts even more towards inner beauty. 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises, "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."

Cultural and Historical Context:

In biblical times, physical appearance could influence social standing and relationships. However, the biblical narrative consistently points to the superiority of spiritual and moral qualities over physical attributes. The accounts of individuals like David and Joseph illustrate that while God may acknowledge physical beauty, His primary concern is the heart and one's faithfulness to Him.

Conclusion:

The Bible's treatment of handsomeness serves as a reminder that while physical appearance is a part of God's creation, it is the inner qualities of a person that hold eternal significance. The biblical perspective encourages believers to cultivate inner beauty and godliness, reflecting the character of Christ in their lives.1. (superl.) Dexterous; skillful; handy; ready; convenient; -- applied to things as persons.

2. (superl.) Agreeable to the eye or to correct taste; having a pleasing appearance or expression; attractive; having symmetry and dignity; comely; -- expressing more than pretty, and less than beautiful; as, a handsome man or woman; a handsome garment, house, tree, horse.

3. (superl.) Suitable or fit in action; marked with propriety and ease; graceful; becoming; appropriate; as, a handsome style, etc.

4. (superl.) Evincing a becoming generosity or nobleness of character; liberal; generous.

5. (superl.) Ample; moderately large.

791. asteios -- of the town, by impl. courteous, elegant
... courteous, elegant NASB Word Usage beautiful (1), lovely (1). handsome, fair. From
astu (a city); urbane, ie (by implication) handsome -- fair. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/791.htm - 6k8389. toar -- outline, form
... Word Origin from taar Definition outline, form NASB Word Usage appearance (2), form
(7), handsome (1), handsome* (1), resembling (1). be drawn, mark out. ...
/hebrew/8389.htm - 6k

2896a. tob -- pleasant, agreeable, good
... 1), glad (1), good (196), good and to those who (1), good is better (1), good man
(3), good men (1), good-looking* (1), gracious (1), handsome (3), handsome* (1 ...
/hebrew/2896a.htm - 6k

3303. yapheh -- fair, beautiful
... Origin from yaphah Definition fair, beautiful NASB Word Usage appropriate (1),
beautiful (28), beautiful one (2), fair (1), fitting (1), handsome (4), sleek (3 ...
/hebrew/3303.htm - 6k

4758. mareh -- sight, appearance, vision
... From ra'ah; a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether
(real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks ...
/hebrew/4758.htm - 6k

Published By
... Together making a handsome library, or, separately, making handsome
center-table volumes. PRICE, [USD]1.00 EACH. SENT POST-PAID. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/published by.htm

"But" Say I "In Such a Slaughter-Heap of Dead Bodies...
... Right handsome obsequies in sight of men did that rich man who was clad in purple
receive of the crowd of his housefolk; but far more handsome did that poor ...
/.../augustine/on care to be had for the dead /4 but say i in.htm

After this Diamond Recovered So Fast, that in a Few Days He was ...
... father indignantly. "Well, you're right. He ain't handsome, but he's a good
un" said his owner. "Who says he ain't handsome? He's one ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 14 after this diamond.htm

How Samuel Found a Leader
... at Gibeah. He had a son named Saul, a man full grown and handsome; no one
among the Israelites was more handsome than he. From his ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how samuel found a leader.htm

Incredible Turpitudes in God Imagined by Manich??us.
... But by this handsome appearance of theirs, ardor and lust increase, and in this
way the chain of their worst thoughts is loosed, and the living soul which was ...
/.../chapter 44 name turpitudes in.htm

The Builders
... wage is lower. A race of giants they were, handsome, magnificently built,
and well skilled in the use of their simple tools. In the ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xv the builders.htm

The Great Shepherd
... Formosi pecoris custos, formosior ipse! The Shepherd with a handsome flock,
is Himself more handsome! He humbled Himself for their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xiii the great shepherd.htm

How the Image of God is Formed Anew in Man.
... Or if we want to say he is handsome after the body, or strong after the body, not
after the mind; what else is this, than that he is handsome or strong in body ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 16 how the image of.htm

Of Boasting.
... He could have made the most deformed Beggar as handsome and as rich as those
who most pride themselves in their wealth and beauty. ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section ix of boasting.htm

Report of Mr. Geo. Borrow's Late Proceedings in Spain
... Englishman established there, for the printing of 5000 copies of the New Testament
in Spanish, which number, if on good paper and in handsome type, I have ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/report of mr geo borrows.htm

Comely (32 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Good-looking; handsome; pleasing or agreeable
to the sight; well-proportioned. 2. (superl.) Suitable ...
/c/comely.htm - 16k

Handsome (15 Occurrences)
... appearance or expression; attractive; having symmetry and dignity; comely; --
expressing more than pretty, and less than beautiful; as, a handsome man or woman ...
/h/handsome.htm - 11k

Handsomely (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) In a handsome manner. 2. (adv.) Carefully; in
shipshape style. Multi-Version Concordance Handsomely (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/handsomely.htm - 7k

Homely (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) of plain or coarse features; uncomely; -- contrary to handsome. 4. (adv.)
Plainly; rudely; coarsely; as, homely dressed. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/h/homely.htm - 7k

Kiriathjearim
... Medieval ecclesiastical tradition has made this place the Anathoth of Jeremiah,
and a handsome church from the time of the Crusades, now thoroughly repaired ...
/k/kiriathjearim.htm - 13k

Nourished (29 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Acts 7:20 At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome. He was
nourished three months in his father's house. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/n/nourished.htm - 15k

Nurtured (3 Occurrences)
... Nurtured (3 Occurrences). Acts 7:20 At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly
handsome. He was nourished three months in his father's house. (See NAS). ...
/n/nurtured.htm - 7k

Narcissus (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A genus of endogenous bulbous plants with handsome flowers, having a
cup-shaped crown within the six-lobed perianth, and comprising the daffodils and ...
/n/narcissus.htm - 9k

Ordinary (17 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Acts 7:20 At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome.
He was nourished three months in his father's house. (See NIV). ...
/o/ordinary.htm - 12k

Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... Medieval ecclesiastical tradition has made this place the Anathoth of Jeremiah,
and a handsome church from the time of the Crusades, now thoroughly repaired ...
/k/kiriath-jearim.htm - 19k

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Handsome: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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