Brief Overview of πορφύρα (Strong’s G4209: porphura)

Strong’s G4209: A noun denoting purple fabric or clothing, derived from the purple-dye producing shellfish. In New Testament usage, it symbolizes luxury, royalty, and in Jesus’ passion narrative, becomes an instrument of mockery, highlighting the contrast between earthly and heavenly kingship.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πορφύρα represents both the purple dye derived from shellfish and the expensive fabric colored with it. In the New Testament, it appears significantly in Jesus’ passion narrative where soldiers mockingly dress Him in purple, ironically declaring His true kingship while intending ridicule. In Revelation and other passages, it symbolizes wealth and luxury. Early church writers often contrasted this symbol of earthly power with Christ’s true royal dignity. Today, it continues to represent the contrast between worldly and spiritual authority.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πορφύρα, porphura, por-FEE-ra
• Detailed pronunciation: pohr-FEE-rah (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Phoenician origin
• Related to purple-dye producing murex shellfish
• Base noun without additional affixes

D – Defining Meanings

• Purple fabric
• Purple dye
• Royal purple clothing

Translation Options:

• “Purple” – simple color reference
• “Royal purple” – emphasizes status implications
• “Purple garment” – specifies the form

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κόκκινος (kokkinos, KOK-kee-nos) – scarlet – See G2847
• βύσσος (bussos, BOOS-sos) – fine linen – See G1040
• ἱμάτιον (himation, him-AT-ee-on) – garment – See G2440

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Feminine
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 1st declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: πορφύρα
• Genitive: πορφύρας
• Dative: πορφύρᾳ
• Accusative: πορφύραν

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: πορφύρεος (purple)
• Related verb: πορφυρίζω (to become purple)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to luxury and royalty. Thayer’s notes its use in Jesus’ passion. LSJ documents extensive commercial usage. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance. Strong’s connects it to shellfish origin. LEH notes Septuagint usage in royal contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite commercial documents involving purple trade.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 15:17: “And they clothed him with [πορφύρα] purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head.”

Additional References:
Luke 16:19
Revelation 17:4
Revelation 18:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	“The king wore robes of finest [πορφύρα] purple.”
Thucydides: History	“The merchants traded in valuable [πορφύρα] purple dye.”
Plutarch: Lives	“He adorned himself in [πορφύρα] purple garments of office.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πορφύρα powerfully illustrates how Christ transforms symbols of earthly power. The purple robe meant to mock Him becomes a testimony to His true kingship. This reminds us that Jesus’ kingdom operates by different principles than worldly authority, showing how divine power is often revealed through apparent weakness.

D – Did You Know?

1. Purple dye was worth its weight in silver in ancient times.
2. It took thousands of shellfish to produce one gram of dye.
3. The term influenced early Christian art and liturgical colors.

Strong’s G4209: A noun denoting purple fabric or clothing, derived from the purple-dye producing shellfish. In New Testament usage, it symbolizes luxury, royalty, and in Jesus’ passion narrative, becomes an instrument of mockery, highlighting the contrast between earthly and heavenly kingship.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: purple, royalty, passion narrative, luxury, mockery, kingship, wealth, status symbols, color symbolism, Christ’s kingdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​