Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for delving into the deeper meanings and cultural contexts of the scriptures. The Greek word λευκός (leukós), which appears in Matthew 5:36, is particularly significant as it denotes “white” or “bright.” This term is not only relevant for interpreting specific New Testament passages but also provides insights into ancient Greek culture and its symbolic associations with purity, light, and divine revelation. In biblical texts, the color white is often connected with righteousness, holiness, and the presence of God, making λευκός a key term for understanding both theological concepts and the cultural milieu of the early Christian community.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λευκός (leukós) [pronounced loo-KOS].

Etymology: The word λευκός comes from the Proto-Indo-European root lewk- meaning “light” or “brightness.” In Greek, λευκός evolved to specifically mean “white” or “bright,” often associated with cleanliness, purity, and divine or heavenly phenomena.

Part of Speech: Adjective. As an adjective, λευκός modifies nouns to describe something as white or bright. It can be used in various grammatical contexts, reflecting gender (masculine, feminine, neuter), number (singular, plural), and case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, etc.).

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. White: The most common meaning of λευκός is “white,” referring to the color itself. This usage can be literal, such as describing a person’s hair or clothing.
2. Bright or Shining: In many biblical passages, λευκός is used to describe something that is not just white but shining or radiant. This can include descriptions of angels or divine appearances, where brightness symbolizes glory and purity.
3. Symbolic of Purity or Holiness: λευκός can also carry a more metaphorical meaning, symbolizing purity, holiness, or righteousness, particularly in a spiritual or religious context.

Exploring Similar Words

1. καθαρός (katharós) [pronounced ka-tha-ROS]: Means “clean” or “pure.” While λευκός emphasizes the color white or brightness, καθαρός focuses more on the concept of cleanliness, both physical and moral.
2. λαμπρός (lamprós) [pronounced lam-PROS]: Means “bright” or “radiant.” λαμπρός emphasizes brilliance or splendor, whereas λευκός specifically denotes whiteness and the associated purity or divine light.
3. φωτεινός (phōteinós) [pronounced fo-tee-NOS]: Means “light-giving” or “luminous.” φωτεινός refers to something that emits light, whereas λευκός describes the color and purity of that light.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, λευκός changes form based on gender, number, and case to agree with the noun it modifies.

• Case, Number, Gender:
• Masculine: λευκός (singular), λευκοί (plural)
• Feminine: λευκή (singular), λευκαί (plural)
• Neuter: λευκόν (singular), λευκά (plural)
• Declension: λευκός follows the standard pattern for first and second declension adjectives in Greek.

For more on Greek adjectives, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term λευκός is analyzed across multiple Greek lexicons and is consistently linked to purity, divine presence, and revelation. In the New Testament, λευκός often appears in contexts describing divine or heavenly figures, such as in Revelation where white robes signify the righteousness of the saints. It also appears in Matthew 5:36, where it describes the color of hair, emphasizing human inability to control even small aspects of life, thus pointing to divine sovereignty. In classical Greek literature, λευκός often describes natural phenomena like snow or marble, again underlining its connotations of purity and brightness.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:36 – “Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white [λευκός] or black.”
2. Revelation 3:4 – “They shall walk with me in white [λευκός]: for they are worthy.”
3. Revelation 20:11 – “And I saw a great white [λευκός] throne, and him that sat on it…”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

λευκός (leukós) is an adjective that conveys the concept of whiteness, brightness, and purity. Used in various New Testament passages, it reflects themes of divine glory, spiritual purity, and heavenly revelation. Its application in both literal and symbolic contexts provides a nuanced understanding of how purity and holiness are portrayed in biblical and classical Greek literature. This term offers a profound look into how color symbolism is employed to convey theological and cultural truths.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The word λευκός is the root of the word “leukocyte,” which refers to white blood cells, known for their role in defending the body against infection.
• Fact 2: In ancient Greece, λευκός was often used to describe marble, a prized material for sculpture and architecture, symbolizing durability and beauty.
• Fact 3: The concept of “white” or λευκός in biblical times also extended to ethical purity, symbolizing righteousness and divine approval.