G2847

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the full depth of New Testament writings and ancient Greek culture. The word κόκκινος (kokkinos), which appears in Matthew 27:28, is particularly significant because it refers to the color “scarlet” or “crimson.” This color holds deep symbolic meaning in both secular and sacred contexts in ancient times, often associated with royalty, wealth, and sacrificial rituals. Studying kokkinos helps to reveal layers of meaning in New Testament passages, especially those dealing with sacrifice, authority, and the intersection of culture and theology.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κόκκινος, transliterated as kokkinos [KOK-kee-nos].

Etymology: The term kokkinos is derived from the Greek word κόκκος (kokkos), meaning “kernel” or “grain.” In this context, it specifically refers to the kermes oak, whose dried bodies were used to produce a crimson dye. This dye was highly valued in ancient times for dyeing fabrics, especially for garments of high status.

Part of Speech: Adjective. Kokkinos describes a color and is used to qualify nouns. It is commonly used in the nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative cases, aligning with the nouns it modifies in terms of gender, number, and case.

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

Defining Meanings

1. Scarlet/Crimson: The primary meaning of kokkinos is “scarlet” or “crimson,” referring to a bright red color. This was a dye obtained from the kermes insect, which was used in antiquity to produce vibrant red textiles.
2. Symbolic of Wealth and Authority: In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, scarlet was a color associated with wealth, authority, and high status. The dye was expensive and thus reserved for the elite or those with special roles, such as royalty or priests.
3. Symbolic of Sin and Purity in Religious Texts: In biblical contexts, scarlet can symbolize sin (as in Isaiah 1:18, “though your sins are like scarlet”) and, by contrast, purity when those sins are forgiven and washed away.

Exploring Similar Words

1. πορφύρα (porphyra) [por-FYOO-rah]: This word refers to “purple,” another color associated with royalty and nobility. Unlike kokkinos, which is more related to red tones, porphyra denotes a purplish hue obtained from mollusk dye.
2. ἐρυθρός (erythros) [eh-REE-thros]: Translates to “red,” a more general term for red color compared to the specific “scarlet” of kokkinos. It does not carry the same level of symbolism related to wealth or authority.
3. λευκός (leukos) [loo-KOS]: Meaning “white,” it is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to symbolize purity, innocence, or righteousness, contrasting with the deeper meanings of scarlet or red.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: As an adjective, kokkinos agrees with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. It is commonly used in the masculine, feminine, and neuter forms.

Declension: Below is a declension table for kokkinos in the singular and plural forms:

For a deeper dive into Greek adjectives and their declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Kokkinos carries significant weight in New Testament texts due to its rich cultural and theological associations. In the context of Matthew 27:28, where Roman soldiers place a scarlet robe on Jesus during His mock trial, the word kokkinos serves to highlight the irony of their mockery—using a symbol of royal authority to ridicule the true King. Lexicons suggest that in classical contexts, kokkinos denotes a costly dye, and in the New Testament, it can also symbolize the depth of human sin contrasted with divine grace. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 27:28: “And they stripped Him and put a scarlet [κόκκινος] robe on Him.”
2. Hebrews 9:19: “For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet [κόκκινος] wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people.”
3. Revelation 17:4: “The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet [κόκκινος], and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word kokkinos enriches our understanding of Biblical texts by highlighting the symbolic use of colors in ancient cultures. Representing wealth, authority, and sacrifice, the term carries profound implications for interpreting New Testament passages. It also connects with broader theological themes of sin and redemption.

Did You Know?

1. The scarlet dye kokkinos was so expensive in ancient times that it was reserved for royalty and the elite, making its use in mocking Jesus particularly poignant.
2. The process of making scarlet dye involved crushing the kermes insect, a labor-intensive task that contributed to the dye’s high cost.
3. The term kokkinos also appears in the Septuagint, where it is used to describe the colors of the tabernacle’s curtains, highlighting its religious significance.