The Greek word kókkinos, represented by G2847, is defined as crimson-colored or scarlet. Its name is derived from kókkos, the kernel-shaped insect used to create the dye. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible, primarily to describe valuable textiles and items of symbolic importance.
In its biblical usage, G2847 is consistently associated with themes of wealth, royalty, and prophetic imagery. In Revelation, it is the color of the beast on which the woman sits, a beast "full of names of blasphemy" Revelation 17:3. This same woman is arrayed in purple and scarlet colour Revelation 17:4. The color is also listed among the most valuable merchandise of the great city, alongside gold, precious stones, and fine linen (Revelation 18:12, Revelation 18:16). In a different context, a scarlet robe is put on Jesus as an act of mockery Matthew 27:28. The book of Hebrews also mentions scarlet wool as an element used by Moses in a ceremonial sprinkling with blood under the law Hebrews 9:19.
Several related words provide context for the value and significance of items described as scarlet:
- G4209 porphýra (purple): This word for a red-blue color is frequently paired with scarlet to signify extreme wealth and royal status, as seen in the attire of the woman in Revelation Revelation 17:4 and as a luxury good Revelation 18:12.
- G5557 chrysós (gold): Often mentioned with scarlet, gold emphasizes opulence. The woman in purple and scarlet is also "decked with gold and precious stones and pearls" Revelation 17:4.
- G1039 býssinos (made of linen): The great city is described as being clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, highlighting the luxurious nature of its apparel Revelation 18:16.
- G5093 tímios (valuable, precious): This term describes items that are costly or honored. It is used for the precious stones and wood listed as merchandise alongside scarlet fabrics Revelation 18:12.
The theological weight of G2847 is found in its powerful symbolism, which varies by context.
- Symbol of Sin and Apostasy: In Revelation, the color scarlet is directly linked to the corrupt world system. It is the color of the blasphemous beast and the attire of the woman representing the great city, symbolizing worldly power and abomination Revelation 17:3-4.
- Sign of Mocked Royalty: The scarlet robe forced upon Jesus is a parody of a kingly garment. This act of mockery ironically points to His true, heavenly kingship Matthew 27:28.
- Element of Ritual Cleansing: In Hebrews, scarlet wool is part of a purification rite under the Mosaic law, connecting the color to the Old Covenant system of atonement through blood Hebrews 9:19.
- Indicator of Decadent Wealth: As a luxury item of the great city, scarlet represents the kind of worldly wealth that invites divine judgment (Revelation 18:12, Revelation 18:16).
In summary, G2847 is more than just a color; it is a symbol rich with meaning. It can represent the pinnacle of earthly luxury and corrupt power, as seen in Revelation, or be used in the context of sacred purification rituals. Whether describing the mockery of a king or the merchandise of a doomed city, scarlet consistently denotes high value and profound spiritual significance.
TRV