תִּפְאֶרֶת
Tiferet
Beauty, glory, splendor, adornment
Tiferet (תִּפְאֶרֶת) is a Hebrew word meaning “beauty, glory, splendor, adornment,” pronounced “tif-EH-ret.” Derived from the root פ-א-ר, tiferet appears 51 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H8597).
| Hebrew | תִּפְאֶרֶת |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Tiferet |
| Pronunciation | tif-EH-ret |
| Meaning | Beauty, glory, splendor, adornment |
| Root Letters | פ-א-ר |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 51× |
| Key Verse | Isaiah 60:19 |
| Strong's Number | H8597 |
| Category | Abstract & Philosophical |
The Hebrew word tiferet (תִּפְאֶרֶת) describes a beauty so luminous it can only ultimately describe God Himself. Isaiah 60:19 declares that God will be Israel's tiferet — her everlasting beauty and glory when sun and moon are no longer needed. This is not decorative prettiness but radiant, awe-inspiring splendor. The priestly garments were made 'for glory and for tiferet' (Exodus 28:2) — their magnificence was meant to reflect divine beauty, not human vanity. Isaiah 4:2 says the Messiah will be 'the tiferet of the survivors of Israel.' Israel itself is called God's tiferet — His masterpiece, the people in whom His beauty is displayed. In Jewish mysticism, Tiferet occupies the center of the Tree of Life, representing the harmonious balance of mercy and judgment — the beauty that emerges when opposites are perfectly integrated. Understanding tiferet reveals that God is not only good and powerful but breathtakingly beautiful — and He invites His people to reflect that beauty to the world.
Key Bible Verse: Isaiah 60:19
“The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory (tiferet).”
What Is the Root of Tiferet in Hebrew?
Tiferet comes from the root פ-א-ר (pe-aleph-resh), meaning 'to beautify, adorn, glorify.' The verbal form 'l'hitpa'er' means 'to boast, to glorify oneself.' Tiferet is beauty that demands attention and provokes praise.
What Does Tiferet Mean in the Bible?
Tiferet appears 51 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes God's beauty (Isaiah 60:19), the priestly garments (Exodus 28:2), Israel as God's glory (Isaiah 46:13), the Messiah (Isaiah 4:2), and the beauty of holiness. It is one of the defining attributes of God's presence.
How Is Tiferet Used in Modern Hebrew?
The Israeli national prize for outstanding contributions to the country is called the 'Israel Prize' and recipients receive a certificate of 'tiferet.' The word carries connotations of national pride and the beauty of excellence in Jewish cultural life.
How to Use Tiferet in Prayer & Worship
Ask God to open your eyes to His tiferet — His beauty — in creation, in Scripture, and in the faces of those around you. Worship Him not only for His power and goodness but for His sheer beauty. And ask Him to make your life a reflection of His tiferet to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiferet
How do you say “Beauty” in Hebrew?
“Beauty” in Hebrew is Tiferet (תִּפְאֶרֶת), pronounced “tif-EH-ret.” Tiferet comes from the root פ-א-ר (pe-aleph-resh), meaning 'to beautify, adorn, glorify.' The verbal form 'l'hitpa'er' means 'to boast, to glorify oneself.' Tiferet is beauty that demands attention and provokes praise.
What does Tiferet mean in the Bible?
Tiferet (תִּפְאֶרֶת) means “Beauty, glory, splendor, adornment” in Biblical Hebrew. Tiferet appears 51 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes God's beauty (Isaiah 60:19), the priestly garments (Exodus 28:2), Israel as God's glory (Isaiah 46:13), the Messiah (Isaiah 4:2), and the beauty of holiness. It is one of the defining attributes of God's presence.
How do you pronounce Tiferet?
Tiferet is pronounced “tif-EH-ret.” The word comes from the Hebrew root פ-א-ר.
What is the difference between kavod and tiferet?
Both describe glory, but with different nuances. Kavod (glory) emphasizes weight, substance, and the overwhelming presence of God. Tiferet (beauty/splendor) emphasizes the aesthetic, harmonious radiance of God's character. Kavod is felt; tiferet is seen. Together they describe a God who is both overwhelmingly present and breathtakingly beautiful.
Why were priestly garments made for glory and beauty?
Exodus 28:2 says Aaron's garments were made 'for glory (kavod) and for beauty (tiferet).' The priests represented God to the people, and their garments reflected divine splendor. This teaches that beauty is not frivolous in worship — it is intentional, communicating something about God's character that words alone cannot express.
What is Tiferet in Kabbalah?
In Jewish mysticism, Tiferet is the sixth sefirah, positioned at the center of the Tree of Life. It represents the harmonious balance of Chesed (mercy) and Gevurah (judgment). Tiferet is the beauty that emerges when opposites are perfectly integrated — compassion balanced with discipline, love balanced with truth.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H8597: Tiferet
- Bible Gateway — Isaiah 60:19 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for פ-א-ר
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