Brief Overview of ῥέδη (Strong’s G4480: rhedē)

Strong’s G4480: A feminine noun of Latin origin (raeda, rheda), referring to a four-wheeled carriage or chariot, particularly used for travel and luxury transport. In Revelation, it appears in a list of luxury items symbolizing the wealth and excess of Babylon, representing worldly indulgence and material prosperity.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word ῥέδη represents more than just a mode of transportation; it symbolizes luxury, status, and worldly excess in the New Testament context. In Revelation, it appears among items that characterize Babylon’s materialism and corrupt economic system. Early church fathers, including Jerome and Augustine, interpreted this word as representing the dangers of worldly comfort and excess that can draw believers away from spiritual priorities. Today, it serves as a reminder of how material luxuries can become idols that compete with devotion to Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥέδη, rhedē, /hred-ay/
• Detailed pronunciation: HRAY-day (with emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Latin origin: raeda/rheda
• Borrowed into Greek without significant modification
• Represents Romanization of Greek culture through borrowed terminology

D – Defining Meanings

• A four-wheeled traveling carriage
• A luxury vehicle for comfortable transport
• A symbol of wealth and status

For compound words:
This is not a compound word, but a direct borrowing from Latin.

Translation Options:

• “carriage” – general term matching the basic meaning
• “chariot” – emphasizing the luxury aspect
• “coach” – highlighting the passenger transport function

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἅρμα (harma) /har-mah/ – a more military-focused chariot or war vehicle
  See G716
• ἅμαξα (hamaxa) /ham-ax-ah/ – a general wagon or cart for goods
  See G259

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Example morphological forms:

• Nominative singular: ῥέδη
• Genitive singular: ῥέδης
• Dative singular: ῥέδῃ
• Accusative singular: ῥέδην

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines ῥέδη as a four-wheeled traveling carriage, noting its Latin origin. Thayer’s emphasizes its association with comfort and luxury. LSJ provides evidence of its use in Hellenistic literature for upper-class transportation. Vine’s connects it to the broader theme of luxury in Revelation. Strong’s notes its significance as a symbol of wealth. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in everyday commercial contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“and cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and [ῥέδη] carriages, and slaves, that is, human souls.” Revelation 18:13

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ῥέδη, appearing in Revelation’s critique of Babylon’s materialism, reminds us that material luxury can become an idol that competes with true worship. This connects to the good news of King Jesus by highlighting that His kingdom values differ from worldly systems of status and wealth. It calls believers to seek treasure in heaven rather than earthly comforts.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word ῥέδη was borrowed from Gallic culture through Latin into Greek, showing the interconnectedness of ancient transportation technology.
2. These carriages were often decorated with expensive materials, making them status symbols in Roman society.
3. Early Christian writers used the image of the ῥέδη to contrast earthly and heavenly treasures in their sermons.

Strong’s G4480: A feminine noun of Latin origin (raeda, rheda), referring to a four-wheeled carriage or chariot, particularly used for travel and luxury transport. In Revelation, it appears in a list of luxury items symbolizing the wealth and excess of Babylon, representing worldly indulgence and material prosperity.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: carriage, chariot, luxury, wealth, Babylon, materialism, transportation, Roman culture, Revelation, worldliness, status symbol, judgment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​