### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἔριον (érion), Strong's number `{{G2053}}`, precisely denotes "wool." Its etymological origins are noted as obscure, yet its semantic range is remarkably consistent and narrow, referring exclusively to the fibrous material derived from sheep. This material was, and remains, fundamental for textiles, clothing, and various coverings in the ancient world. Unlike many Greek terms with broad metaphorical applications, ἔριον maintains a literal and concrete meaning throughout its biblical occurrences, serving primarily as a material descriptor within specific ritual or symbolic contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἔριον appears twice in the New Testament, each instance laden with significant theological implications.
1. **Hebrews 9:19**: "For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,"
In this passage, ἔριον appears as "scarlet wool" (ἔριον κοκκίνου). This detail is crucial for understanding the ratification of the Old Covenant. The author of Hebrews references the Mosaic ritual described in [[Exodus 24:6-8]], though the specific mention of "scarlet wool" and "hyssop" aligns more closely with purification rites found in [[Leviticus 14:4-7]] (for cleansing of leprosy) and [[Numbers 19:6]] (for the ashes of the red heifer). The scarlet color, often associated with sin ([[Isaiah 1:18]]), here paradoxically becomes an instrument in a ceremony of purification and covenant establishment, highlighting the vicarious nature of the Old Covenant sacrifices. The wool, as a porous material, would have effectively held and distributed the blood and water, symbolizing the thorough application of the covenant's terms and the cleansing it provided.
2. **Revelation 1:14**: "His head and his hair were white as white wool, as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;"
Here, ἔριον is used in a profound descriptive passage portraying the glorified Christ. The phrase "white as white wool" (λευκὸν ὡς ἔριον λευκόν) emphasizes an intense purity and brilliance. This imagery directly echoes the description of the "Ancient of Days" in [[Daniel 7:9]] ("His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool"). The whiteness signifies absolute holiness, divine purity, and eternal wisdom. It speaks to Christ's unblemished character, His divine nature, and His position as the eternal, sovereign Lord. The comparison to wool, a natural, soft material, alongside snow, further accentuates the radiant, pure, and awe-inspiring nature of the resurrected Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "wool" in the biblical narrative often carries symbolic weight, even when ἔριον is not the direct lemma.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The Hebrew word for wool, `{{H6785}}` (ṣemer), appears frequently in the Old Testament, particularly in the Pentateuch. It is mentioned in contexts of priestly garments ([[Exodus 28:6]]), sacrificial offerings ([[Leviticus 14:4]]), and laws concerning textiles ([[Deuteronomy 22:11]] prohibiting mixing wool and linen). The use of wool in ritual purification, especially scarlet wool, is a direct Old Testament antecedent to the imagery in Hebrews.
* **Symbolism of Whiteness**: The "whiteness" associated with wool in [[Revelation 1:14]] is a powerful biblical symbol for purity, holiness, righteousness, and divine glory. This is seen in numerous passages describing angelic beings ([[Matthew 28:3]]), the raiment of the redeemed ([[Revelation 3:4-5]]), and God's own character.
* **Symbolism of Scarlet**: In contrast, "scarlet" often symbolizes sin ([[Isaiah 1:18]]), yet it is also paradoxically used in purification rites, signifying the blood of atonement that cleanses sin. This tension highlights the profound transformation wrought by divine intervention.
* **Hyssop**: Often paired with wool in purification rituals ([[Hebrews 9:19]]), hyssop was a small plant used for sprinkling, further emphasizing the ritualistic application of cleansing agents.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔριον is profound, despite its limited occurrences.
* **Purity and Holiness**: In the depiction of Christ in [[Revelation 1:14]], the "white wool" symbolizes His absolute purity, unblemished holiness, and divine majesty. This imagery connects Him to the Ancient of Days, affirming His eternal nature and divine authority. It speaks to His moral perfection and His role as the spotless Lamb of God.
* **Atonement and Covenant**: The "scarlet wool" in [[Hebrews 9:19]] underscores the sacrificial nature of the Old Covenant and its foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. The use of wool in the blood-sprinkling ritual emphasizes the tangible application of the covenant's terms and the need for purification. This ritual, though temporary and imperfect, pointed forward to the superior and eternal cleansing achieved through the blood of Christ ([[Hebrews 9:12]], [[Hebrews 9:14]]). The scarlet color, representing sin, is used in the very act of purification, hinting at the profound mystery of Christ's blood making atonement for sins.
* **Transformation and Cleansing**: Although ἔριον is not directly used in [[Isaiah 1:18]], the powerful imagery of "though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become as wool" resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of wool's symbolic purity. This verse encapsulates the transformative power of God to cleanse and purify even the deepest stains of sin, a transformation fully realized through the atoning work of Christ.
### Summary
ἔριον (`{{G2053}}`) is a straightforward Greek term for "wool," yet its two New Testament occurrences carry significant theological weight. In [[Hebrews 9:19]], "scarlet wool" is integral to the Old Covenant's ratification ritual, symbolizing the temporary yet divinely ordained means of purification that prefigured Christ's perfect sacrifice. In [[Revelation 1:14]], "white wool" describes the hair of the glorified Christ, powerfully conveying His absolute purity, holiness, and eternal divine nature, echoing the Ancient of Days. Thus, ἔριον, though a simple material noun, serves as a potent symbol of both the necessary cleansing from sin and the inherent, unblemished holiness of God, ultimately pointing to the transformative and atoning work of Jesus Christ.
TRV