Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides a deeper insight into the text, its context, and its cultural significance. The Greek word ἶρις (iris) is particularly noteworthy because it not only appears in the New Testament but also carries significant weight in ancient Greek culture. Derived from mythology, where ἶρις represents the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods, this word’s usage in biblical contexts brings layers of meaning tied to divine communication and symbolic imagery.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἶρις, transliterated as iris [EE-ris].
- Etymology: The term ἶρις is believed to be derived from ancient Greek mythology. It is associated with the goddess Iris, who personifies the rainbow and serves as a messenger between the gods and humanity.
- Part of Speech: Noun, feminine.
- Grammatical Details: Follows the third declension pattern in Greek.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Rainbow: In both biblical and classical contexts, ἶρις most commonly means “rainbow,” a natural phenomenon that carries symbolic significance in many cultures.
- Symbol of Covenant: In biblical contexts, particularly in apocalyptic literature, the rainbow symbolizes God’s covenant and presence.
- Messenger: In mythology, ἶρις refers to the messenger role played by the goddess Iris.
Similar Words: τόξον (toxon) [TOK-sohn], meaning “bow,” is related to ἶρις in that a rainbow is often referred to as a “bow” in biblical language, symbolizing a covenant or divine promise, as seen in the story of Noah. While τόξον refers more to a physical or literal bow (like in archery), ἶρις specifically denotes the rainbow and its symbolic meanings.
Further Insights: ἶρις is a feminine noun following the third declension in Greek. Here is the declension table for ἶρις:
| Case / Number | Singular (Feminine) | Plural (Feminine) |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἶρις | ἶρες |
| Genitive | ἴριδος | ἴριδων |
| Dative | ἴριδι | ἴρισιν |
| Accusative | ἶριν | ἶρας |
| Vocative | ἶρις | ἶρες |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Describes ἶρις as “rainbow,” emphasizing its use in biblical literature to symbolize the divine promise, particularly in apocalyptic contexts where it appears around God’s throne as a sign of His covenant.
Thayers: Defines ἶρις as a noun meaning “rainbow.” It highlights its occurrences in the New Testament, particularly in prophetic visions where it serves as a divine symbol of God’s covenant with humanity.
Vines: Explores the word ἶρις primarily in the context of “rainbow” and focuses on its symbolic usage, noting its importance in both biblical prophecy and ancient Greek mythology.
LSJ: Lists ἶρις with references to its rich cultural and mythological heritage in ancient Greek literature, where it represents both the physical phenomenon of the rainbow and the personified deity, Iris, who conveys messages from the gods.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἶρις (G2463) as “rainbow,” noting its symbolic importance in prophetic passages such as those found in the Book of Revelation, where it is associated with divine presence and promise.
Related Scripture References
- Revelation 4:3: “And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow (ἶρις) round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.”
- Revelation 10:1: “And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow (ἶρις) was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “Iris, swift as the wind (ἶρις), was sent down from Olympus to deliver the gods’ message to Achilles.” |
| Hesiod | Theogony | “Iris (ἶρις), the rainbow messenger, bridged the gap between the divine and the mortal.” |
| Euripides | Herakles | “Iris (ἶρις), the bright-winged messenger, brought Hera’s will to the people of Thebes.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Moses | Genesis | “And I have set my bow (ἶρις) in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of a covenant between me and the earth.” |
| Ezekiel | Ezekiel | “Like the appearance of the rainbow (ἶρις) that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about.” |
| Sirach | Sirach | “Look upon the rainbow (ἶρις), and praise Him that made it; very beautiful it is in its brightness.” |
Summary of ἶρις (G2463)
The Greek word ἶρις (iris) primarily denotes “rainbow” and is deeply rooted in both biblical and classical contexts. In biblical literature, ἶρις symbolizes God’s covenant and divine presence, particularly in prophetic visions like those in the Book of Revelation. In classical Greek literature, it is closely tied to Greek mythology, where Iris serves as a divine messenger. Understanding ἶρις enriches the comprehension of its symbolic power, whether in the context of God’s promises or as a bridge between the divine and mortal realms.
Did You Know?
- The modern English word “iris” (the part of the eye) is derived from ἶρις, due to the colored ring resembling a rainbow.
- In Greek mythology, Iris was not just a messenger of the gods but also a symbol of communication, connecting heaven and earth.
- The rainbow as a divine sign is one of the most enduring symbols in biblical and cultural narratives, spanning from the Old Testament to the New Testament’s apocalyptic visions.
Understanding ἶρις provides valuable insight into its rich symbolism and significance in ancient texts and its continued resonance in modern interpretations of biblical and mythological themes.
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