Brief Overview of πυρρός (Strong’s G4450: purrhos)

Strong’s G4450: An adjective meaning “fiery red” or “flame-colored,” derived from πῦρ (fire). In biblical usage, particularly significant in Revelation’s apocalyptic imagery where it describes the color of the second horse of judgment, symbolizing warfare and bloodshed.

U- Unveiling the Word

πυρρός represents a specific shade of red that evokes the color of fire and blood. In New Testament usage, it appears exclusively in Revelation’s apocalyptic imagery, particularly in describing the second horseman’s mount. The color carries deep symbolic significance, representing warfare, violence, and judgment. Early church fathers saw in this fiery red color a warning of persecution and martyrdom, while also recognizing its connection to divine judgment. Today, this word continues to speak powerfully about the reality of conflict and judgment in the divine plan, while reminding us of the cost of faithfulness.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πυρρός, purrhos, /pyrˈros/
• Pronunciation Guide: “POOR-ross” (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πυρ- (pur-) from πῦρ meaning “fire”
• Suffix: -ρός (-ros) – adjectival suffix indicating quality or characteristic
• Describes the quality of being fire-like in color

D – Defining Meanings

• Fiery red
• Flame-colored
• Blood-red
• Reddish-orange

Translation Options:

• Fiery red – Best captures both color and intensity
• Blood-red – Emphasizes apocalyptic context
• Flame-colored – Highlights connection to fire

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πυρράζω (purrazō) /pyrˈradzo/ – to become red – See G4449
• ἐρυθρός (eruthros) /eryˈthros/ – red or ruddy – See G2063
• κόκκινος (kokkinos) /ˈkokkinos/ – scarlet – See G2847

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features (Adjective):

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples:

• Masculine: πυρρός (fiery red)
• Feminine: πυρρά (fiery red)
• Neuter: πυρρόν (fiery red)
• Plural forms follow regular adjectival patterns

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in apocalyptic contexts. Thayer’s notes its derivation from πῦρ and connection to bloodshed. LSJ provides examples from classical literature describing fire and blood. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance in Revelation. Strong’s connects it to concepts of judgment and warfare. LEH traces its usage in Septuagint descriptions of divine judgment. Moulton and Milligan show its use in describing various shades of red in everyday documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And out came another horse, bright [πυρρός] red; its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another; and he was given a great sword.” Revelation 6:4

Additional References:
Revelation 12:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πυρρός serves as a powerful reminder of the reality of judgment and conflict in God’s redemptive plan. While it appears in contexts of judgment and warfare, it proclaims the good news by showing that God remains sovereign over human history and conflict. The fiery red horse of Revelation reminds us that even in times of tribulation, God’s purposes are being worked out, leading ultimately to Christ’s victory.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced medieval artistic depictions of apocalyptic scenes.
2. Ancient dye-makers used this term to describe a specific shade of red created from mineral sources.
3. The term appears in ancient military documents describing warning signals and battle flags.

Strong’s G4450: An adjective denoting fiery red or flame-colored, particularly significant in apocalyptic imagery. Used to describe manifestations of divine judgment and warfare. Carries strong associations with both fire and blood, emphasizing intensity and serious import.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: red, fire, color, apocalypse, judgment, warfare, Revelation, horsemen, blood, divine judgment, symbolism, apocalyptic vision​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​