Strong’s G4596: An adjective referring to silk or silken material, derived ultimately from references to the Seres people of East Asia who produced silk. In Revelation, it appears among luxury items of Babylon, symbolizing excessive wealth and materialism opposed to godly values.

U- Unveiling the Word

σιρικός represents one of the ancient world’s most precious and expensive fabrics. Its only New Testament appearance in Revelation 18:12 lists it among luxury items in Babylon’s trade, symbolizing excessive wealth and materialistic indulgence. Early church writers used this reference to warn against worldly luxury and materialism. Today, it reminds us to examine our attitudes toward wealth and material possessions, pointing to the superior value of spiritual riches in Christ.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σιρικός, sirikos, see-REE-kos
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on second syllable: ‘see’ as in see, ‘REE’ as in read, ‘kos’ as in cost
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From Σῆρες (Sēres) – ancient name for Chinese people
• -ικός (-ikos): Adjectival suffix meaning “pertaining to”

D – Defining Meanings

• Made of silk
• Silken
• Pertaining to silk fabric

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a derived adjective

Translation Options:

• “Silk” – When used substantively
• “Silken” – As pure adjective
• “Of silk” – Describing material composition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βύσσινος (bussinos, BOOS-see-nos) – made of fine linen See G1039
• πορφύρα (porphura, por-FOO-ra) – purple fabric See G4209
• κόκκινος (kokkinos, KOK-kee-nos) – scarlet See G2847

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: 1st/2nd

Examples:
Masculine: σιρικός (nom), σιρικοῦ (gen)
Feminine: σιρική (nom), σιρικῆς (gen)
Neuter: σιρικόν (nom/acc), σιρικοῦ (gen)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies σιρικός as silk fabric from China. Thayer’s notes its connection to the Seres people. LSJ documents its use in trade contexts. Vine’s emphasizes its luxury status. Strong’s connects it to ancient silk trade routes. Moulton-Milligan provides evidence from commercial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,” Revelation 18:12

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σιρικός serves as a powerful symbol of worldly luxury and materialism in Revelation’s critique of Babylon. Its inclusion among items of trade reminds us that earthly wealth is temporary and that true riches are found in Christ. The word challenges us to examine our priorities and seek lasting spiritual treasures rather than temporal luxuries.

D – Did You Know?

1. Silk was worth its weight in gold in the ancient Roman world.
2. The term influenced the development of words for silk in many European languages.
3. Early Christian ascetics often cited this verse in teachings about renouncing luxury.

Strong’s G4596: An adjective referring to silk or silken material, derived ultimately from references to the Seres people of East Asia who produced silk. In Revelation, it appears among luxury items of Babylon, symbolizing excessive wealth and materialism opposed to godly values.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: silk, luxury goods, Babylon, materialism, Revelation, trade, wealth, commerce, textiles, ancient trade routes, worldly goods, judgment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​