Lexical Summary porphura: purple, purple robe Original Word: πορφύρα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance purpleOf Latin origin; the "purple" mussel, i.e. (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it -- purple. HELPS Word-studies 4209 porphýra – purple, symbolic of "royal status" (L & N, 1, 79.38). There were three familiar shades of purple in the ancient world: deep violet, deep scarlet (or crimson), and deep blue (WP, 2, 220). Prov 31:22 associates purple with "godly (ideal) femininity," i.e. "righteous femaleness." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from a redupl. derivation of phuró (to mix dry with wet) Definition purple fish, purple dye, purple cloth NASB Translation purple (3), purple robe (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4209: πορφύραπορφύρα, πορφύρας, ἡ, the Sept. for אַרְגָמָן; 1. the purple-fish, a species of shell-fish or mussel: (Aeschylus, Sophocles), Isocrates, Aristotle, others; add 1 Macc. 4:23, on which see Grimm; (cf. B. D., under the word 2. a fabric colored with the purple dye, a garment made from purple cloth (so from Aeschylus down): Mark 15:17, 20; Luke 16:19; Revelation 17:4 Rec.; In the first-century Mediterranean world, the dye extracted from the murex shellfish produced a fabric of deep, royal hue that commanded extraordinary value. Purple garments signified political authority (as in the Roman imperium), immense wealth, and at times priestly dignity. Possession of such cloth required both substantial resources and social status, so the term became a shorthand for power and luxury. Usage in the Synoptic Gospels In the praetorium the soldiers “dressed Him in a purple robe” (Mark 15:17) and later “took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him” (Mark 15:20). Here, πορφύρα becomes an instrument of mockery. Roman troops parody the royal claims of Jesus by adorning Him with the most recognizable symbol of imperial majesty, only to strip it away. The text exposes their ironic testimony: even in ridicule they unwittingly affirm His kingship. 2. Luke 16:19 “Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor”. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the purple garment epitomizes self-indulgent opulence. By pairing it with daily feasting, Jesus frames the rich man’s lifestyle as the antithesis of covenantal compassion, setting the stage for divine reversal after death. Eschatological Perspective in Revelation Revelation 18:12 places πορφύρα among the luxury cargos of Babylon: “cargo of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet.” The collapse of the worldly economy reveals the futility of treasures once deemed indispensable. Purple, formerly a badge of prominence, is catalogued with commodities condemned to perish along with the city that trafficked in them. Theological Themes • Kingship of Christ: The mock-royal robe in Mark accentuates the paradox of the cross—apparent humiliation masking the enthronement of the Messiah (cf. Psalm 2; Philippians 2:8-11). Old Testament Parallels Exodus 26 and 28 describe tabernacle curtains and priestly garments woven with purple, signaling holiness and nearness to God. Esther 8:15 portrays Mordecai in royal purple after deliverance. These precedents enrich New Testament usage: what once graced the sanctuary or throne is now placed on the suffering Servant, worn by a self-indulgent man, and traded by a doomed city. Practical Ministry Applications • Humility before Honor: Followers of Christ should anticipate that true exaltation often arrives through sacrificial service rather than outward trappings (Mark 10:42-45). Summary Strong’s 4209, πορφύρα, threads through the New Testament as a vivid marker of royalty, affluence, and, ultimately, divine verdict. Whether mocking, flaunting, or merchandising purple, humanity reveals its heart; and in every setting Scripture reorients readers to Christ’s unassailable lordship, the stewardship of possessions, and the coming judgment that will expose the true value of all things. Englishman's Concordance Mark 15:17 N-AFSGRK: ἐνδιδύσκουσιν αὐτὸν πορφύραν καὶ περιτιθέασιν NAS: They dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting KJV: him with purple, and INT: they put on him purple [garment] and placed on Mark 15:20 N-AFS Luke 16:19 N-AFS Revelation 18:12 N-GFS Strong's Greek 4209 |
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