Apocalyptic Colors: ὑακίνθινος (Strong’s G5191: hyakinthinos) Reveals Divine Judgment

Strong’s G5191: From ὑάκινθος; of hyacinth color, dark blue or purple-red. Used in Revelation’s apocalyptic imagery, describes breastplates in a vision of judgment, representing both royal authority and divine wrath through its rich color symbolism.

U – Unveiling the Word

ὑακίνθινος refers to the color of the hyacinth flower, ranging from dark blue to purple-red. In its New Testament context, it appears in Revelation’s apocalyptic imagery, specifically describing the breastplates of supernatural cavalry. This color carried significant cultural and symbolic meaning, associated with both royalty and divine judgment. The early church understood this color symbolism as representing both heavenly authority and divine wrath. Today, it reminds us of the vivid nature of biblical apocalyptic literature and its use of color symbolism to convey spiritual truths about God’s sovereignty and judgment.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑακίνθινος, hyakinthinos, /hyaˈkin.θi.nos/
• Pronunciation: hoo-ah-KIN-thee-nos
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: ὑάκινθ- (hyakinth-) from ὑάκινθος (hyacinth flower)
• Suffix: -ινος (-inos) indicating “made of” or “like”
• Function: Forms an adjective describing color quality

D – Defining Meanings

• Dark blue colored
• Purple-red colored
• Hyacinth-colored
• Deep blue or violet

For compound words: Not applicable as ὑακίνθινος is not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Hyacinth-colored” – Most precise botanical reference
• “Dark blue” – Common understanding
• “Purple-red” – Alternative color interpretation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πορφύρεος (porphyreos, /porˈfy.re.os/) – purple See G4209
• κόκκινος (kokkinos, /ˈkok.ki.nos/) – scarlet See G2847
• πράσινος (prasinos, /ˈpra.si.nos/) – green See G4217

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

Examples:

• Masculine: ὑακίνθινος
• Feminine: ὑακινθίνη
• Neuter: ὑακίνθινον
• Plural: ὑακίνθινοι

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources reveal the rich cultural significance of ὑακίνθινος. BDAG emphasizes its connection to the precious stone and flower. Thayer’s notes its range of color from blue to purple-red. LSJ documents its use in describing luxury items and royal garments. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance in Revelation. Strong’s connects it to the hyacinth flower’s color. Moulton and Milligan show its use in describing valuable dyed textiles. The word carried connotations of both beauty and value in ancient culture.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Revelation 9:17: “And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth [ὑακίνθινος], and brimstone.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in Scripture.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑακίνθινος combines natural beauty with apocalyptic significance, appearing in Revelation’s vision of divine judgment. Its rich color symbolism speaks of both royal authority and divine wrath. The good news emerges as we understand that King Jesus, who wears royal colors, exercises His authority not just in judgment but in salvation. The vivid imagery reminds us that His sovereignty encompasses both mercy and justice.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word shares its root with the modern “hyacinth” flower name
2. Ancient hyacinth stones were highly valued for their deep blue color
3. The color was associated with both heavenly authority and divine judgment

Strong’s G5191: An adjective describing the color of hyacinth, ranging from dark blue to purple-red, used in Revelation’s apocalyptic imagery to convey both royal authority and divine judgment through rich color symbolism.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: colors, apocalyptic, Revelation, symbolism, divine judgment, royal authority, precious stones, hyacinth, biblical imagery, vision, supernatural, divine attributes​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​