### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **érion**, represented by `{{G2053}}`, is the term for **wool**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is used both as a literal material component in a ceremonial act and as a powerful simile to describe purity and divine appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2053}}` is used in two distinct contexts. It appears as a physical object in a purification rite, where Moses uses scarlet **wool** along with blood and hyssop to sprinkle the book of the law and the people [[Hebrews 9:19]]. It is also used symbolically in a vision, where the hair of a divine being is described as "white like **wool**, as white as snow" [[Revelation 1:14]], signifying immense purity or age.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of wool:
* `{{G2359}}` **thríx** (hair): This word for **hair** is seen alongside **wool** in the description of the divine figure's head, which was "white like wool" [[Revelation 1:14]]. The term also appears in other contexts, such as the description of John the Baptist's raiment of camel's **hair** [[Matthew 3:4]].
* `{{G2847}}` **kókkinos** (crimson-colored): This term, meaning **scarlet**, modifies **wool** in the ceremonial context of [[Hebrews 9:19]]. The word is also used to describe the color of a beast in Revelation and a robe placed on Jesus ([[Revelation 17:3]], [[Matthew 27:28]]).
* `{{G5510}}` **chiṓn** (snow): This word for **snow** is used in direct comparison with **wool** to describe a brilliant whiteness, as in "white like wool, as white as **snow**" [[Revelation 1:14]]. It is also used to describe the appearance of an angel's raiment [[Matthew 28:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2053}}` is centered on its symbolic uses in purification and divine description.
* **Instrument of Covenant:** In the account of the Mosaic law, scarlet **wool** is an integral part of the sprinkling ceremony that ratifies the covenant, used alongside blood to purify the book and the people [[Hebrews 9:19]].
* **Symbol of Divine Appearance:** The comparison of a divine figure's hair to **wool** in Revelation serves as a powerful visual metaphor. Its whiteness, likened to snow, conveys a sense of holiness, purity, and ancient majesty [[Revelation 1:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2053}}` carries meaning beyond its simple definition of **wool**. It functions as both a tangible element in Old Covenant rituals of purification and as a striking symbol to depict the pure and glorious nature of a divine being. Through its two appearances, **érion** illustrates a transition from a physical component of the law to a descriptor of heavenly purity.
TRV