Original Word: פְאֵר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: p'er
Pronunciation: peh-ayr
Phonetic Spelling: (peh-ayr')
KJV: beauty, bonnet, goodly, ornament, tire
Word Origin: [from H6286 (פָּאַר - glorified)]

1. an embellishment, i.e. fancy head-dress

beauty, bonnet, goodly, ornament, tire

From pa'ar; an embellishment, i.e. Fancy head-dress -- beauty, bonnet, goodly, ornament, tire.

see HEBREW pa'ar

מְּאֵר noun masculine^{Ezekiel 44:18} head-dress, turban (? originally ornament); — absolute ׳פ of bridegroom Isaiah 61:10, sign of joy Isaiah 61:3 (opposed to mourning, and so) מְּאֵרְךָ Ezekiel 24:17, plural suffix מְּאֵרֵכֶם Ezekiel 24:23 (worn by men of position); of priests מַּאֲרֵי פִשְׁתִּים Ezekiel 44:18, ׳הַמִּנְבָּעֹת שֵׁשׁמּ Exodus 39:28 (P); plural absolute מְּאֵרִים Isaiah 3:20 (of luxurious women).

Overview

The Hebrew term פְאֵר portrays a decorative headpiece—turban, bonnet, or crown—worn both by priests and by ordinary people. Across its seven appearances the word consistently conveys dignity, attractiveness, and elevated status. Yet Scripture also uses it to expose vanity and to illustrate restrained mourning, allowing a rich theological portrait to emerge.

Occurrences in Scripture

Exodus 39:28; Isaiah 3:20; Isaiah 61:3; Isaiah 61:10; Ezekiel 24:17; Ezekiel 24:23; Ezekiel 44:18.

Priestly Adornment and Worship (Exodus 39:28; Ezekiel 44:18)

When the tabernacle garments were completed, “the ornate headbands” were fashioned of fine linen (Exodus 39:28). The same article re-appears in the prophetic vision of the millennial temple, where ministers are commanded to wear linen turbans so that “they must not wear anything that makes them sweat” (Ezekiel 44:18). The headdress therefore accents holiness and purity in service, reminding worshipers that ministry before God demands both beauty and practical integrity.

Symbol of Joy, Salvation, and Restoration (Isaiah 61:3; Isaiah 61:10)

Messiah’s jubilee proclamation includes the promise “to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes” (Isaiah 61:3). Later, Zion exults, “like a bridegroom adorned with a priestly headdress, and like a bride adorned with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10). Here the garment moves from priestly garb to bridal finery, linking restored Israel with both worship and wedding celebration. The image anticipates the New Covenant reality of believers clothed in righteousness and joy through the saving work of Christ.

Emblem of Pride Subject to Judgment (Isaiah 3:20)

In a catalogue of luxurious accessories singled out for removal, the prophet includes “the headdresses” (Isaiah 3:20). The same article that signified honor in worship becomes an indictment when worn as an expression of vanity. This contrast warns that outward beauty divorced from humble obedience invites divine discipline.

Prophetic Sign of Restrained Mourning (Ezekiel 24:17; Ezekiel 24:23)

When Ezekiel’s wife dies, he is told, “Put on your turban… do not mourn or weep” (Ezekiel 24:17, 23). Keeping the head-dress on publicly displays submission to God’s severe word while privately feeling grief. The instruction models the supremacy of prophetic obedience over cultural expectations, foreshadowing the call for believers to submit to God’s sovereignty even in personal loss.

Theological Themes

1. Beauty Rooted in Holiness – The head-piece adorns those who draw near to God, teaching that true splendor flows from consecration.
2. Exchange Principle – Ashes exchanged for a crown pictures salvation’s transformative power.
3. Corporate and Individual Hope – Israel as a nation and every believer individually may look forward to being “adorned” by the Lord.
4. Sobriety amid Judgment – The same item can signify honor or rebuke, underscoring the moral dimension of outward symbols.

Christological Perspective

As High Priest and Bridegroom, Jesus fulfills every facet of פְאֵר. His sinless life embodies the pure linen of priestly service, His resurrection joy grants the crown of beauty, and His imminent return pictures the Bridegroom wearing the festive headdress. Believers united to Him share in that honor, already spiritually “clothed with garments of salvation” while awaiting full visible glory.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Worship leaders can draw from these passages to emphasize the twin virtues of reverence and joy.
• Counselors may use Isaiah 61 to assure repentant hearts that God truly replaces mourning with beauty.
• Preachers can confront materialistic pride by contrasting Isaiah 3 with priestly humility.
• Pastoral care in grief finds precedent in Ezekiel’s restrained mourning, balancing authentic sorrow with hope in God’s purposes.

Summary

פְאֵר threads through Scripture as an emblem of dignity—sometimes celebrated, sometimes withheld—always pointing to a deeper reality: the Lord Himself beautifies His people when they serve, trust, and await Him in holiness.

הַפְּאֵרִ֤ים הפארים וּפְאֵרֵכֶ֣ם ופארכם פְּאֵ֔ר פְּאֵ֜ר פְאֵֽרְךָ֙ פַּאֲרֵ֤י פַּאֲרֵ֥י פאר פארי פארך feereCha hap·pə·’ê·rîm happə’êrîm happeeRim pa’ărê pa·’ă·rê paaRei pə’êr p̄ə’êrəḵā p̄ə·’ê·rə·ḵā pə·’êr peEr ū·p̄ə·’ê·rê·ḵem ufeereChem ūp̄ə’êrêḵemInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts