On Modesty

[Valerie]

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 passage 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.

For 1900 years, that is how pious Christians universally understood female modesty--clothing that both covered the body and concealed its form. In the 20th century there was a mass departure from these traditional standards, as from faith in general, just as it was foretold that a great falling away, or apostasy, would occur in the last days.

Modest clothing was the wineskin that preserved the virtue of modesty from perishing. Yes, it must begin in the heart, but it is impossible to remain confined there. The outward must correspond to the inward, and the inward to the outward.
[Adapted].

[Grace]

To me, modesty goes way beyond how we dress.

Modesty is a about not being too proud or confident about yourself, your abilities and possessions. For Christians modesty should not only include our way of dress, but in our speech, our lifestyle, our homes, our vehicles, etc. A modesty oxymoron is when I see a plainly dressed woman in a cape dress and covering exit a Cadillac Escapade in the church parking lot. Or the plain couple who live in a mansion, decorated to the nines, with a swimming pool in the backyard. Modesty is NOT giving our favorite ministers, missionaries, singing groups near celebrity status. And we observe those people enjoying the status, glory and attention given them for their work, to the point they think they are entitled to it. Modesty is NOT flaunting your knowledge of the Bible, or any other topic.


Sorry if this is off topic as I think the thread is on dress.

[steve-in-kville]

To me, modesty goes way beyond how we dress.

Modesty is a about not being too proud or confident about yourself, your abilities and possessions. For Christians modesty should not only include our way of dress, but in our speech, our lifestyle, our homes, our vehicles, etc. A modesty oxymoron is when I see a plainly dressed woman in a cape dress and covering exit a Cadillac Escapade in the church parking lot. Or the plain couple who live in a mansion, decorated to the nines, with a swimming pool in the backyard. Modesty is NOT giving our favorite ministers, missionaries, singing groups near celebrity status. And we observe those people enjoying the status, glory and attention given them for their work, to the point they think they are entitled to it. Modesty is NOT flaunting your knowledge of the Bible, or any other topic.


Sorry if this is off topic as I think the thread is on dress.

To me, modesty is a state of mind. And that state of mind could be different for everybody.

[MaxPC]

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 passage 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.

For 1900 years, that is how pious Christians universally understood female modesty--clothing that both covered the body and concealed its form. In the 20th century there was a mass departure from these traditional standards, as from faith in general, just as it was foretold that a great falling away, or apostasy, would occur in the last days.

Modest clothing was the wineskin that preserved the virtue of modesty from perishing. Yes, it must begin in the heart, but it is impossible to remain confined there. The outward must correspond to the inward, and the inward to the outward.
[Adapted].

Good topic, Valerie. I agree with that which you have written thus far. Modesty like any virtue being cultivated, must come from the inward man and if genuine, will be expressed in outward demeanor, dress and possessions.

To me, modesty goes way beyond how we dress.

Modesty is a about not being too proud or confident about yourself, your abilities and possessions. For Christians modesty should not only include our way of dress, but in our speech, our lifestyle, our homes, our vehicles, etc. A modesty oxymoron is when I see a plainly dressed woman in a cape dress and covering exit a Cadillac Escapade in the church parking lot. Or the plain couple who live in a mansion, decorated to the nines, with a swimming pool in the backyard. Modesty is NOT giving our favorite ministers, missionaries, singing groups near celebrity status. And we observe those people enjoying the status, glory and attention given them for their work, to the point they think they are entitled to it. Modesty is NOT flaunting your knowledge of the Bible, or any other topic.

I have seen a person rightly giving instruction in Bible teachings and when a topic hit too close to the heart, a person would accuse the instructor of flaunting his knowledge. Human nature being what it is, accusations can be a defense mechanism and usually comes from those who feel guilty.

As for expensive homes and cars, I have not seen any Plainly dressed person owning these things. On the contrary, I see modest homes and older vehicles.

[ohio jones]

A modesty oxymoron is when I see a plainly dressed woman in a cape dress and covering exit a Cadillac Escapade in the church parking lot.

Escapade:

noun - a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

Escalade:

noun - a mounting by means of a ladder or ladders; especially, an assault on a fortified place by troops who mount or pass its defenses by the aid of ladders.

The Cadillac SUV is an Escalade: short people need a ladder to get in. It's possible to use an Escalade for an escapade, but plainly dressed women should probably not do so.

[Grace]

A modesty oxymoron is when I see a plainly dressed woman in a cape dress and covering exit a Cadillac Escapade in the church parking lot.

Escapade:

noun - a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

Escalade:

noun - a mounting by means of a ladder or ladders; especially, an assault on a fortified place by troops who mount or pass its defenses by the aid of ladders.

The Cadillac SUV is an Escalade: short people need a ladder to get in. It's possible to use an Escalade for an escapade, but plainly dressed women should probably not do so.

Oops, sorry about the incorrect name for the Cadillac Escalade. Goes to show how much I know about Cadillac vehicles.

[Grace]

As for expensive homes and cars, I have not seen any Plainly dressed person owning these things. On the contrary, I see modest homes and older vehicles.

Let me guess, you are not from Lancaster County, PA. That being said, we do have plenty of plainly dressed people who live modestly and embrace modest lifestyles.

[RZehr]

A modesty oxymoron is when I see a plainly dressed woman in a cape dress and covering exit a Cadillac Escapade in the church parking lot.

Escapade:

noun - a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

Escalade:

noun - a mounting by means of a ladder or ladders; especially, an assault on a fortified place by troops who mount or pass its defenses by the aid of ladders.

The Cadillac SUV is an Escalade: short people need a ladder to get in. It's possible to use an Escalade for an escapade, but plainly dressed women should probably not do so.

Oxford:
Cadillac: /'kadilak'/ noun
2. something that is an outstanding example of its kind, especially in terms of luxury, quality, or size.

I agree with Grace. It would be quite a thing to see, a plainly dressed woman in a cape dress and covering exit a Cadillac escapade. In the church parking lot to boot!

[Valerie]

To me, modesty goes way beyond how we dress.

Modesty is a about not being too proud or confident about yourself, your abilities and possessions. For Christians modesty should not only include our way of dress, but in our speech, our lifestyle, our homes, our vehicles, etc. A modesty oxymoron is when I see a plainly dressed woman in a cape dress and covering exit a Cadillac Escapade in the church parking lot. Or the plain couple who live in a mansion, decorated to the nines, with a swimming pool in the backyard. Modesty is NOT giving our favorite ministers, missionaries, singing groups near celebrity status. And we observe those people enjoying the status, glory and attention given them for their work, to the point they think they are entitled to it. Modesty is NOT flaunting your knowledge of the Bible, or any other topic.


Sorry if this is off topic as I think the thread is on dress.

That's okay I understand your point- from the churches that I came from you'd understand why I appreciate this perspective

[Valerie]

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 passage 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.

For 1900 years, that is how pious Christians universally understood female modesty--clothing that both covered the body and concealed its form. In the 20th century there was a mass departure from these traditional standards, as from faith in general, just as it was foretold that a great falling away, or apostasy, would occur in the last days.

Modest clothing was the wineskin that preserved the virtue of modesty from perishing. Yes, it must begin in the heart, but it is impossible to remain confined there. The outward must correspond to the inward, and the inward to the outward.
[Adapted].

Good topic, Valerie. I agree with that which you have written thus far. Modesty like any virtue being cultivated, must come from the inward man and if genuine, will be expressed in outward demeanor, dress and possessions.

To me, modesty goes way beyond how we dress.

Modesty is a about not being too proud or confident about yourself, your abilities and possessions. For Christians modesty should not only include our way of dress, but in our speech, our lifestyle, our homes, our vehicles, etc. A modesty oxymoron is when I see a plainly dressed woman in a cape dress and covering exit a Cadillac Escapade in the church parking lot. Or the plain couple who live in a mansion, decorated to the nines, with a swimming pool in the backyard. Modesty is NOT giving our favorite ministers, missionaries, singing groups near celebrity status. And we observe those people enjoying the status, glory and attention given them for their work, to the point they think they are entitled to it. Modesty is NOT flaunting your knowledge of the Bible, or any other topic.

I have seen a person rightly giving instruction in Bible teachings and when a topic hit too close to the heart, a person would accuse the instructor of flaunting his knowledge. Human nature being what it is, accusations can be a defense mechanism and usually comes from those who feel guilty.

As for expensive homes and cars, I have not seen any Plainly dressed person owning these things. On the contrary, I see modest homes and older vehicles.

Thanks Max, I borrowed this from an Orthodox Priest.