### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pyrrhós**, represented by `{{G4450}}`, is derived from the word for fire and means **fire-like** or flame-colored, specifically **red**. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, both within the prophetic visions of the book of Revelation. Its usage is not merely descriptive but carries significant symbolic weight, coloring entities associated with conflict and spiritual opposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{G4450}}` is used to describe two powerful and ominous figures. First, it appears as the color of a "great **red** dragon" `{{G1404}}`, a celestial wonder seen in heaven with seven heads and ten horns [[Revelation 12:3]]. The second instance describes the second horseman of the Apocalypse, who rides a horse that was **red** [[Revelation 6:4]]. This rider is given the authority to take peace from the earth and is equipped with a great sword, leading to widespread slaughter.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are found in the immediate context of `{{G4450}}`, clarifying its symbolic meaning:
* `{{G1404}}` **drákōn** (a fabulous kind of serpent:--dragon): This is the first entity described as **red**. The great **red** dragon is a central antagonist in the vision, highlighting the color's association with a formidable, serpent-like power [[Revelation 12:3]].
* `{{G1515}}` **eirḗnē** (peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again): The arrival of the **red** horse directly results in the removal of **peace** from the earth, linking the color to the absence of tranquility and the rise of discord [[Revelation 6:4]].
* `{{G3162}}` **máchaira** (a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment:--sword): The rider of the **red** horse is given a great **sword**, a clear symbol of war, violence, and judicial punishment that he is empowered to unleash [[Revelation 6:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4450}}` is concentrated in its apocalyptic symbolism. The color is consistently tied to destructive forces that oppose divine order.
* **Symbol of War and Bloodshed:** The **red** horse and its rider, who is given a great sword to make men kill one another, explicitly connects the color to warfare, conflict, and the shedding of blood on a massive scale [[Revelation 6:4]].
* **Emblem of Antagonistic Power:** The "great **red** dragon" is a primary spiritual adversary, later identified as Satan [[Revelation 12:9]]. The color **red** visually marks this being as a dangerous and fiery opponent to God and His people.
* **Sign of Judgment:** The appearance of the **red** horse signals the second of God's apocalyptic judgments. The color, therefore, serves as a visual marker for a period of divinely permitted strife and the removal of earthly security.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4450}}` is far more than a simple color. Though used only twice, **pyrrhós** functions as a potent symbol in biblical prophecy. It transforms from its literal meaning of "fire-like" or **red** into a theological emblem for war, bloodshed, and the great antagonistic powers at work in the world. The word vividly illustrates how biblical imagery uses color to communicate profound truths about conflict and judgment.
TRV