Word Study for G3022 (λευκός)

leukós /lyoo-kos'/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ("light")

Meaningwhite

KJV usagewhite.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of leukós — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word leukós, represented by G3022, means white. Derived from a word for "light," it appears 25 times in 23 verses throughout the scriptures. It is a significant term used to describe divine glory, purity, and the righteousness associated with heavenly beings and redeemed saints.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G3022 is frequently used to describe the brilliant appearance of heavenly figures and their attire. At the transfiguration, Christ's raiment was "white as the light" Matthew 17:2, and in John's vision, his head and hairs were "white like wool" Revelation 1:14. Similarly, angels are seen in "white apparel" Acts 1:10. The word also describes the "white robes" worn by the redeemed elders and the great multitude before God's throne (Revelation 4:4, Revelation 7:9). Beyond clothing, it describes objects of divine authority, such as the "great white throne" of judgment Revelation 20:11 and the "white horse" ridden by the one called Faithful and True Revelation 19:11. Metaphorically, it is used to describe fields ready for harvest John 4:35.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words enhance the meaning of G3022:

G3021 leukaínō (to whiten): The verb form of leukós. In describing Christ's transfigured raiment, it is said that no fuller on earth could whiten them to such a degree Mark 9:3.
G5510 chiṓn (snow): This word is often used as a benchmark for the intense whiteness of leukós. An angel's raiment at the tomb was described as "white as snow" Matthew 28:3.
G2513 katharós (clean, clear, pure): This term is paired with leukós to emphasize a state of spiritual purity. The armies of heaven are clothed in fine linen that is both "white and clean" Revelation 19:14.
G4749 stolḗ (long clothing (garment), (long) robe): This word often specifies the type of garment described as leukós, such as the "white robes" given to the souls of the martyrs Revelation 6:11.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3022 is primarily seen in its symbolism of purity, righteousness, and authority.

Divine Glory and Purity: The word is consistently associated with the appearance of divine beings, signifying their perfect holiness. Christ's raiment at the transfiguration becomes "white and glistering" Luke 9:29, and his glorified form includes hair "as white as snow" Revelation 1:14, linking whiteness with heavenly radiance.
Imputed Righteousness: White garments are promised to those who overcome and remain undefiled Revelation 3:4-5. This clothing is offered to cover the "shame of thy nakedness" Revelation 3:18 and is worn by the saints in heaven, signifying their cleansed and righteous state before God Revelation 7:9.
Victory and Judgment: The image of a "white horse" is used to represent conquest and righteous authority. One rider is given a crown and goes forth conquering Revelation 6:2, while another, called Faithful and True, rides a white horse to judge and make war in righteousness Revelation 19:11. The final judgment proceeds from a "great white throne" Revelation 20:11.

Summary

In summary, G3022 transcends its simple definition of white to become a powerful symbol in scripture. It is used to convey the purity of the divine, the righteousness of the saints, and the ultimate authority of God's judgment. From the shining garments of Christ and his angels to the white throne of the final day, leukós consistently illustrates a state of spiritual perfection and heavenly glory.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as an adjective across 25 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Dative Plural Neuter 4×
Accusative Singular Feminine 3×
Nominative Singular Masculine 3×
Accusative Plural Feminine 2×
Nominative Plural Feminine 2×
Nominative Plural Neuter 2×
Nominative Singular Feminine 2×
Nominative Singular Neuter 2×
Accusative Plural Neuter 1×
Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
Accusative Singular Neuter 1×
Dative Plural Feminine 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Dative: The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter: Neuter grammatical gender.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 23 verses across 6 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Revelation (14 verses); never once in the other 21.

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts

Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.