I am still thinking on and reading about and researching modesty. I just wanted to share one tidbit I read today.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 (KJV) This will take you to Bible Study Tools where the Strongs Numbers are highlighted and you can click on them. If you click on the word apparel you will see a definition and some explanation of that word in the Greek. The word for apparel is Katastole. The word translated modest is Kosmios. So women are to dress in kosmios katastole.
What is kosmios katastole? I found this information, although I have not read the entire article.
Modesty Defined
Actually, the English word modest appears only once in the King James Version of the Bible:
1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
The Greek word for apparel in this text is Katastole, meaning a long dress. Kata meaning down - a garment flowing down; and Stole - a long garment, covering or wrapping.
The Greek word for modest is Kosmios, meaning orderly, well-arranged, decent, modest, harmonious arrangement, or adornment. Modesty is also Biblically applied to one's demeanor or behavior. This same Greek word is translated good behavior in 1 Timothy 3:2 in the qualifications of bishops.
Therefore, sisters are instructed to wear modest long dresses (Kosmios Katastole). This Kosmios Katastole not only specifies that the article of clothing should be a dress, but also specifies that the dress should be of a suitably long length.
The definition of modesty involves both one's manner of dress and inward qualities. Biblical modesty starts within a person but is ultimately demonstrated by their outward appearance.
(source for above: http://www.christadelphiansisters.org/modesty.htm)
At this point I am only providing information for my readers and for myself! This search on modesty has taken me in a direction I was not expecting. I am unsure how to process all the information yet. My biggest issue at the outset of this search was Christian teen girls wearing clothing that I considered too revealing. The more and more I read the more I see that God has a BIG opinion about the way we dress!
Based on this Scripture, going back to the Greek and the information above (which is only one source), I am correct in saying that the clothing many of the girls are wearing is immodest! For that matter, most of the clothing I am wearing is immodest! It’s a lot to think about.
I am loving digging into God’s Word and really learning what He has to say. Please, if you have any comments, opinions or suggestions, leave a comment or send me an email. (My address can be found on my profile.)
Striving to learn and live God's purposes,
3 comments:
Let's look at I Timothy 2:9-10 again. The Greek word f modest is kosmious, which means orderly, well-arranged, seem or modest. In other words, "modest" refers to clothing that is modesty, and reverence. A shamefaced person can blush when faced with things that are irreverent or immodest. The Greek w for sobriety is sophrosuna. This is a person of sound mind, wit self-control, of good judgment, and moderate in all that he do Modest dress doesn't call attention to the wearer. This reason why clothing that exposes your nakedness is immodest Costly jewelry or elaborate hair styles can also be immodest. P should notice a Christian because of who she is and not becau what she is wearing. Therefore, the clothing that I wear should the occasion so that my attire does not outshine my Lord, who represent. When going among farmers, you shouldn't wear a fo should wear a dark dress with no metal buttons.
Dear Anonymous,
Since posting this I have spoken with others that I trust; I have gained further input and have come to a more levelheaded understanding.
Something that comes to mind when reading your comment is that clothing that makes us TOO DIFFERENT is also immodest in that it draws attention to the wearer and not to the Lord.
Thank you for your thoughts.
mod·es·ty (md-st)
n.
1. The state or quality of being modest.
2. Reserve or propriety in speech, dress, or behavior.
3. Lack of pretentiousness; simplicity.
I think the important thing to keep in mind is what the intent is. There is no subject that God has left untouched, including modesty. I think when people act on ideas with religious, legalistic fervour they often miss the point. Do I think we should all be wearing loose mumus, or dressing 10 years out of date? No. Do I think that God cares how I dress? Yes. And incidently, I don't think that what "the world" thinks about it should matter...only what God thinks. I cannot be responsible for what others think about my obedience to God, I can only love them.
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