4596. sérikos

Lexicon

sérikos: Silken, made of silk

Original Word: σηρικός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: sérikos
Pronunciation: say-ree-kos
Phonetic Spelling: (say-ree-kos')
Definition: Silken, made of silk
Meaning: silken, silk.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

silk.

From Ser (an Indian tribe from whom silk was procured; hence the name of the silk-worm); Seric, i.e. Silken (neuter as noun, a silky fabric) -- silk.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
variant reading for sirikos, q.v.
NASB Translation
silk (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4596: σηρικός

σηρικός (Lachmann, the major edition, T WH σιρικός (cf. WH's Appendix, p. 151)), σηρικη, σηρικον (Σήρ, Σηρες, the Seres, a people of India (probably modern China; yet on the name cf. Pape, Eigennamen, under the word; Dict. of Geog., under the word Serica));

1. properly, pertaining to the Seres.

2. silken: τό σηρικον, silk, i. e. the fabric, silken garments. Revelation 18:12. ((Strabo, Plutarch, Arrian, Lucian); ἐσθήσεσι σηρικαις, Josephus, b. j. 7, 5, 4.)

STRONGS NT 4596: σιρικόςσιρικός, see σηρικός.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from Σῆρες (Sēres), referring to the Seres, an ancient people of Asia known for producing silk.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σηρικός, as silk was not native to the ancient Near East and was primarily an import from the East. However, the concept of fine and luxurious fabrics can be related to Hebrew terms such as שֵׁשׁ (shesh, Strong's 8336), which refers to fine linen, another high-quality fabric mentioned in the Bible.

Usage: The term σηρικός is used to describe items made of silk, a luxurious and highly valued fabric in ancient times. It is not directly used in the canonical texts of the New Testament but is relevant in understanding the cultural and economic context of the period.

Context: • Cultural Context: In the ancient world, silk was a symbol of wealth and status. The Seres, likely identified with the Chinese, were renowned for their silk production, which was a highly prized commodity in trade. The Silk Road facilitated the exchange of silk from the East to the West, making it accessible to the Roman Empire and beyond.
• Biblical Significance: While the specific term σηρικός does not appear in the New Testament, the concept of luxurious clothing is present. For example, in Luke 16:19 (BSB), the rich man is described as dressing in "purple and fine linen," which signifies opulence similar to that of silk garments. The use of luxurious fabrics in biblical narratives often serves to highlight themes of wealth, status, and sometimes moral lessons regarding the use of riches.
• Historical Usage: Silk was used by the elite for garments and other decorative purposes. Its mention in various historical texts underscores its importance as a trade good and a status symbol. Understanding the term σηρικός helps illuminate the broader economic and social dynamics of the biblical era.

Forms and Transliterations

σηρικού σιρικου σιρικοῦ sirikou sirikoû

Englishman's Concordance

Revelation 18:12 Adj-GNS
GRK: πορφύρας καὶ σιρικοῦ καὶ κοκκίνου
NAS: and purple and silk and scarlet,
KJV: purple, and silk, and scarlet,
INT: of purple and of silk and of scarlet

Strong's Greek 4596
1 Occurrence

σιρικοῦ — 1 Occ.