feminine of a compound of πορφύρα and πωλέω; a female trader in purple cloth:--seller of purple.
Transliteration:porphyrópōlis
Pronunciation:por-foo-rop'-o-lis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πορφυρόπωλις (porphyrópōlis), Strong's number `{{G4211}}`, is a compound noun formed from πορφύρα (porphýra, `{{G4209}}`), meaning "purple dye" or "purple cloth," and πωλέω (pōléō, `{{G4453}}`), meaning "to sell." The feminine ending -ις clearly denotes a female agent. Thus, its core meaning is "a female seller of purple" or "a woman who trades in purple goods." The semantic range of πορφυρόπωλις is quite narrow and specific, referring exclusively to this particular profession. In the ancient world, purple dye was exceedingly valuable, derived from murex snails and associated with royalty, wealth, and high status. Therefore, a "purple-seller" would typically be a person of considerable means and influence, dealing in luxury items. The term implicitly conveys a sense of business acumen and social standing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word πορφυρόπωλις appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 16:14]]. It is used to describe Lydia, a woman from Thyatira, who was residing in Philippi: "A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened to give heed to what was said by Paul."
The context of this solitary occurrence is highly significant. Thyatira, Lydia's hometown, was renowned for its textile industry, particularly its purple dyes and garments. This detail underscores Lydia's professional background and likely her financial prosperity. As a "worshiper of God" (σεβομένη τὸν θεόν), she was a Gentile proselyte or God-fearer, indicating her spiritual openness and devotion to the Jewish faith, even before encountering the Gospel. Her profession as a seller of purple would have granted her a degree of independence and social standing, making her a prominent figure within her community. The narrative highlights that the Lord "opened her heart" to the message preached by Paul, signifying divine initiative in her conversion. Her immediate response of faith and hospitality (insisting that Paul and his companions stay at her house, [[Acts 16:15]]) demonstrates the profound impact of the Gospel on her life and her willingness to use her resources to support the nascent Christian community in Philippi.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is πορφύρα (porphýra, `{{G4209}}`), which refers to the purple dye or cloth itself. This word appears elsewhere in the New Testament, often in contexts associated with wealth, luxury, or royalty (e.g., the rich man's clothing in [[Luke 16:19]], the robes placed on Jesus in mockery in [[Mark 15:17]] and [[John 19:2]], or the description of Babylon's merchandise in [[Revelation 18:12]], [[Revelation 18:16]]).
Another related word is πωλέω (pōléō, `{{G4453}}`), the verb "to sell," which forms the second part of the compound. This verb appears frequently in the Gospels in various contexts, from selling possessions to following Jesus (e.g., [[Matthew 19:21]], [[Luke 12:33]]).
Concepts related to πορφυρόπωλις include:
* **Commerce and Trade:** The word encapsulates the ancient world's vibrant mercantile activities, especially in luxury goods.
* **Wealth and Status:** Dealing in purple implied significant financial resources and social standing.
* **Women in Business:** Lydia's profession highlights the active role women could play in the economy and public life in certain ancient societies.
* **Hospitality:** Lydia's immediate offer of her home (`{{G3624}}`, *oikos*) to Paul and his companions is a crucial concept, demonstrating practical Christian love and support for missionaries.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πορφυρόπωλις is primarily derived from its association with Lydia, the first recorded convert in Europe and a pivotal figure in the early spread of Christianity.
1. **God's Inclusive Call:** Lydia's background as a wealthy businesswoman demonstrates that God's call extends to people from all social strata and professions. Her conversion illustrates that worldly success or status does not preclude spiritual receptivity; rather, God can use individuals of influence for His purposes.
2. **Divine Sovereignty in Conversion:** The phrase "whose heart the Lord opened" (`{{G455}}` *dianoigō* and `{{G2588}}` *kardia*) underscores the sovereign work of God in bringing about salvation. Despite Paul's preaching, it was divine grace that enabled Lydia to comprehend and respond to the Gospel. This highlights that human effort in evangelism is always dependent on God's prior work in the heart.
3. **The Role of Women in Early Christianity:** Lydia's prominence as a businesswoman and her immediate establishment of her home as a base for the Philippian church (implied by Paul's return there in [[Acts 16:40]]) underscore the significant and active role women played in the early Christian movement. She was not merely a passive recipient of the Gospel but an active participant and patron.
4. **Consecration of Resources:** Lydia's willingness to use her home and presumably her financial resources for the advancement of the Gospel (housing the apostles, providing a meeting place for the nascent church) serves as an example of consecrating one's worldly assets to God's kingdom. Her "purple" business, a symbol of earthly prosperity, was transformed into a means of divine service.
### Summary
The Greek word πορφυρόπωλις (porphyrópōlis, `{{G4211}}`) precisely denotes "a female seller of purple cloth." Its singular appearance in [[Acts 16:14]] introduces Lydia of Thyatira, a significant figure in early church history. This term not only identifies her profession but also implies her social standing and financial capacity in the ancient world, where purple was a luxury commodity. The study of πορφυρόπωλις thus illuminates several theological truths: God's inclusive call to people from all walks of life, the divine initiative in opening hearts to faith, and the vital role of women in the early church. Lydia's example, as a worshiper of God whose heart was opened by the Lord, demonstrates how worldly vocations and resources can be consecrated to serve the spread of the Gospel and foster Christian community.
TRV