Original Word: כַּרְפַּס
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: karpac
Pronunciation: kar-pas'
Phonetic Spelling: (kar-pas')
Definition: byssus, fine vegetable wool
Meaning: Byssus, fine vegetable wool. This term refers to a type of fine linen or cotton fabric, often associated with luxury and high quality.

Word Origin: Derived from a foreign origin, possibly of Persian or Indian derivation.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek term is Strong's G1039, βύσσος (byssos), which also refers to fine linen or cotton. This Greek term is used in the New Testament to describe luxurious garments, such as those worn by the rich man in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19). The connection between the Hebrew כַּרְפַּס and the Greek βύσσος highlights the continuity of luxury textiles as symbols of wealth and status across different cultures and time periods.

Usage: The term כַּרְפַּס appears in the context of describing luxurious materials used in royal settings. It is specifically mentioned in the book of Esther.

Context: The Hebrew word כַּרְפַּס (karpas) is found in the Old Testament in Esther 1:6, where it describes the opulent decorations of King Ahasuerus's palace. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) reads: "There were white and blue linen curtains fastened with cords of fine white and purple linen to silver rings on marble pillars." Here, "white and blue linen" is understood to include the term כַּרְפַּס, indicating the use of fine, high-quality fabric in the royal court. This fabric was likely imported, reflecting the wealth and grandeur of the Persian Empire. The use of such materials underscores the splendor and majesty of the setting, as well as the king's power and status.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
cotton or fine linen
NASB Translation
fine and linen (1).

כַּרְמַּס noun masculine cotton (or fine linen (loan-word from Sanskrit karpâsa, cotton, Persian fine linen; hence also κάρπασος, carbasus, Arabic Talmud כָּרְמְּסָא; compare Lag^{Arm. Stud. § 1148}); — וּתְכֵלֶת ׳חוּר כ Esther 1:6 (ᵐ5 καρπασίνοις): compare Cels.^{Hierob. ii. 157 ff}.

[כָּרַר]

verb √ of following (Late Hebrew כִּרְכֵּר use circumlocution; ᵑ7. plural כִּרְכְּרָן dances; Arabic return, repeat, attack anew, advance and retreat; id.; II. whirl about; originally perhaps move around, then surround, enclose, recur, etc.; Ethiopic turn a mill, only participle; see rotate, revolve, roll, and derivatives Di^838f.); — only

Pilpel, Participle מְכַרְכֵּר dancing (literally whirling) 2 Samuel 6:14,16 ("" מְפַזֵּז).

byssus or fine vegetable wool

Of foreign origin; byssus or fine vegetable wool:

כַּרְפַּ֣ס כרפס kar·pas karpasInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts