Brief Overview of πορφυροῦς (Strong’s G4210: porphurous)

Strong’s G4210: An adjective meaning “purple-colored” or “dyed purple,” derived from porphura (purple fabric/dye). In New Testament usage, appears in Christ’s passion narrative and Revelation, symbolizing both royal mockery and worldly luxury. Significant in representing both true and false kingship.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πορφυροῦς describes the distinct purple color associated with royalty and wealth in the ancient world. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in John’s account of Jesus’ passion, where soldiers clothe Him in a purple robe as mockery of His kingship. It also appears in Revelation describing the luxury of Babylon. Early church writers often contrasted the mock purple of Christ’s passion with His true royal dignity. Today, it continues to symbolize the contrast between worldly and divine authority.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πορφυροῦς, porphurous, por-foo-ROOS
• Detailed pronunciation: pohr-foo-ROOS (stress on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From πορφύρα (porphura) – purple fabric
• -οῦς (-ous) – adjectival ending
• Indicates the quality of being purple

D – Defining Meanings

• Purple-colored
• Made of purple material
• Having royal purple quality

Translation Options:

• “Purple” – simple color description
• “Purple-dyed” – emphasizes process
• “Royal purple” – captures cultural significance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κόκκινος (kokkinos, KOK-ee-nos) – scarlet-colored – See G2847
• ὑακίνθινος (huakinthinos, hoo-ak-IN-thee-nos) – hyacinth-colored – See G5191
• πορφύρα (porphura, por-FEE-ra) – purple fabric – See G4209

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter forms
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: Contract adjective pattern

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine: πορφυροῦς
• Feminine: πορφυρᾶ
• Neuter: πορφυροῦν

Cross-references:

• Related noun: πορφύρα (purple)
• Related verb: πορφυρίζω (to become purple)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its royal associations. Thayer’s notes its use in passion narratives. LSJ documents extensive commercial usage. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance. Strong’s connects it to shellfish-derived dye. LEH notes Septuagint usage in royal contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite commercial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 19:2: “And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a [πορφυροῦς] purple robe.”

Additional References:
John 19:5
Revelation 17:4
Revelation 18:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πορφυροῦς powerfully illustrates how Christ transforms symbols of earthly power. The purple robe of mockery becomes a testament to His true kingship, while its use in Revelation warns against misplaced trust in worldly luxury. This reminds us that Christ’s kingdom operates by different principles than worldly power structures.

D – Did You Know?

1. The purple dye industry was controlled by imperial monopoly in Roman times.
2. The word influenced early Christian liturgical colors.
3. It became a standard symbol in medieval manuscript illumination.

Strong’s G4210: An adjective meaning “purple-colored” or “dyed purple,” derived from porphura (purple fabric/dye). In New Testament usage, appears in Christ’s passion narrative and Revelation, symbolizing both royal mockery and worldly luxury. Significant in representing both true and false kingship.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: purple, royalty, passion narrative, color symbolism, luxury, mockery, kingship, Revelation, Christ’s sovereignty, worldly power​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​