### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective leukós (`{{G3022}}`) fundamentally means "white." Its etymological root is associated with "light," suggesting an inherent connection to brightness, radiance, and clarity. Beyond its literal chromatic meaning, leukós carries a significant semantic range in biblical usage, often symbolizing:
* **Purity and Cleanliness:** A state of being unblemished, free from stain or defilement.
* **Radiance and Glory:** Reflecting divine light, majesty, and splendor.
* **Holiness and Righteousness:** Indicating a sacred, set-apart quality or moral uprightness.
* **Victory and Triumph:** Associated with conquest and ultimate success.
* **Newness and Transformation:** A state of renewal or a significant change.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Leukós appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in contexts that elevate its symbolic meaning:
* **Transfiguration of Jesus:** In the synoptic Gospels, Jesus' garments become "dazzling white" or "white as light" during His transfiguration [[Matthew 17:2]], [[Mark 9:3]], [[Luke 9:29]]. This vivid description emphasizes His divine glory and purity, a momentary unveiling of His true divine nature.
* **Angelic Appearances:** Angels are consistently depicted in "white" garments, signifying their heavenly origin, purity, and role as divine messengers. Examples include the angel at the empty tomb [[Matthew 28:3]], [[Mark 16:5]], [[Luke 24:4]], and the two men in "white robes" at Jesus' ascension [[Acts 1:10]].
* **Resurrection Context:** While referring to the angel's appearance, the description of his clothing as "white as snow" at the tomb [[Matthew 28:3]] links the color to the momentous, pure, and triumphant event of the resurrection.
* **Book of Revelation:** Leukós is used extensively and symbolically in Revelation, carrying profound eschatological and theological weight:
* **Garments of the Redeemed:** "White robes" are worn by the saints, the elders, and the great multitude, symbolizing their purity, righteousness, and victory achieved through the Lamb's blood [[Revelation 3:4-5]], [[Revelation 3:18]], [[Revelation 4:4]], [[Revelation 6:11]], [[Revelation 7:9]], [[Revelation 7:13-14]], [[Revelation 19:8]], [[Revelation 20:12]].
* **Christ as Conqueror:** Jesus is depicted riding a "white horse" as a victorious conqueror and righteous judge [[Revelation 6:2]], [[Revelation 19:11]], [[Revelation 19:14]]. His heavenly armies also follow Him on "white horses" [[Revelation 19:14]].
* **God's Throne:** The "great white throne" for final judgment [[Revelation 20:11]] underscores the absolute purity, justice, and unblemished nature of divine judgment.
* **Divine Attributes:** The hair of the Son of Man is described as "white as white wool, as snow" [[Revelation 1:14]], echoing the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9 and signifying ancient wisdom, holiness, and divine majesty.
* **Metaphorical Harvest:** In [[John 4:35]], Jesus tells His disciples, "Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest." Here, "white" likely refers to the ripeness of grain, ready for reaping, metaphorically indicating a spiritual readiness for the gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The significance of leukós is often amplified by its association with other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **Light (φῶς, `{{G5457}}`):** The etymological connection between leukós and light is crucial, as "white" often represents the manifestation of divine light and glory.
* **Purity/Cleanliness (καθαρός, `{{G2513}}`):** "White" is a visual symbol of spiritual and moral purity, often linked to ritual cleansing or inner sanctification.
* **Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, `{{G1343}}`):** Especially in Revelation, white garments symbolize the imputed and practical righteousness of believers.
* **Glory (δόξα, `{{G1391}}`):** The dazzling whiteness of Christ at the Transfiguration is a direct manifestation of His divine glory.
* **Snow (χιών, `{{G5510}}`):** Used as a direct comparator for extreme whiteness, particularly in contexts of divine appearance or purity (e.g., [[Matthew 28:3]], [[Revelation 1:14]]).
* **Wool (ἔριον, `{{G2053}}`):** Another comparator for whiteness, especially in descriptions of divine figures [[Revelation 1:14]].
* **Fine Linen (βύσσος, `{{G1040}}` or λίνεος, `{{G3043}}`):** Often described as white, particularly in Revelation, representing the righteous acts of the saints [[Revelation 19:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of leukós is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Holiness and Purity:** The recurring depiction of divine beings (Jesus, angels) in dazzling white underscores the absolute, unblemished holiness and purity of God and His heavenly realm. It signifies an unapproachable and perfect moral state.
* **Redemption and Justification:** The "white robes" of the redeemed in Revelation are a powerful symbol of the justification and sanctification granted to believers through Christ's atoning sacrifice. They represent a state of being cleansed from sin and made righteous in God's sight.
* **Victory Over Evil:** Christ on the white horse and the white robes of the martyrs symbolize the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and His people over sin, death, and all forces of evil. It is a declaration of ultimate conquest.
* **Impartial Judgment:** The "great white throne" signifies the absolute justice, transparency, and impartiality of God's final judgment. There is no darkness or hiddenness; all is revealed and judged according to perfect righteousness.
* **Transformation and Glorification:** The transformation of garments to dazzling white (Transfiguration) or the promise of white garments to those who overcome, points to a spiritual transformation and future glorification awaiting believers, where they will share in Christ's purity and glory.
### Summary
The Greek word leukós (`{{G3022}}`), meaning "white," serves as a potent theological symbol throughout the New Testament, extending far beyond a simple color description. Rooted in the concept of "light," it consistently signifies divine purity, radiant glory, and absolute holiness, as seen in the Transfiguration of Christ and the appearance of angels. In the Book of Revelation, its symbolism deepens, representing the righteousness and triumphant victory of the redeemed, the conquering power of Christ, and the unblemished justice of God's final judgment. Thus, leukós eloquently communicates core biblical truths about God's character, the state of His people, and the ultimate realization of His righteous purposes.
TRV