### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sērikós**, represented by `{{G4596}}`, refers to a **silky fabric**. Derived from the name of an Indian tribe from whom the material was procured, it appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, specifically denoting **silk** as a luxury good.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical occurrence of `{{G4596}}` is found in a prophetic description of the fall of the great city, Babylon. It is listed among the valuable **merchandise** `{{G1117}}` that will no longer be traded, symbolizing the city's complete economic collapse. The verse catalogues an extensive list of luxurious items, including **gold** `{{G5557}}`, **silver** `{{G696}}`, **precious** `{{G5093}}` stones, **pearls** `{{G3135}}`, **fine linen** `{{G1040}}`, **purple** `{{G4209}}`, and **silk** `{{G4596}}`, placing it squarely in the context of immense worldly wealth and commerce [[Revelation 18:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help illustrate the environment of luxury and trade associated with `{{G4596}}`:
* `{{G1117}}` **gómos** (merchandise): This term defines the cargo or wares being traded. The loss of this **merchandise** is the reason for the merchants' mourning [[Revelation 18:11]].
* `{{G4209}}` **porphýra** (purple): A garment dyed with a red-blue color, often mentioned alongside other luxurious fabrics. It was worn by a rich man [[Luke 16:19]] and used to clothe Jesus in mockery [[Mark 15:17]].
* `{{G1040}}` **býssos** (fine linen): This term for white linen is also listed as a valuable commodity and a sign of wealth, often appearing with purple [[Luke 16:19]].
* `{{G2847}}` **kókkinos** (scarlet): Meaning crimson-colored, this is another luxury textile. It is used to describe the robe placed on Jesus and the color of the beast on which the woman sits ([[Matthew 27:28]], [[Revelation 17:3]]).
* `{{G5093}}` **tímios** (precious): This word, meaning valuable or costly, is used to describe the stones and wood that are part of Babylon's merchandise [[Revelation 18:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4596}}` is tied entirely to its singular context within the judgment of Babylon the Great.
* **Symbol of Worldly Extravagance:** **Silk** is part of an inventory representing the peak of human material excess. It is listed with other symbols of wealth like **gold** `{{G5557}}`, **silver** `{{G696}}`, **ivory** `{{G1661}}`, and **marble** `{{G3139}}`, all of which characterize the corrupt world system [[Revelation 18:12]].
* **Transience of Earthly Riches:** The entire passage where **silk** is mentioned serves as a commentary on the fleeting nature of wealth. The merchants weep because their trade in these fine goods, including **silk**, has abruptly ended, highlighting that material fortune provides no security against divine judgment [[Revelation 18:11]].
* **Association with Corruption:** The luxury items cataloged, such as **purple** `{{G4209}}` and **scarlet** `{{G2847}}`, are also the very materials used to adorn the woman who represents the great city, who is "decked with gold and precious stones and pearls" [[Revelation 17:4]]. This connects the merchandise, including **silk**, to the spiritual and moral corruption of Babylon.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4596}}` is a highly specific term for **silk** that, despite its single use, carries significant symbolic meaning. Its inclusion in the list of Babylon's **merchandise** `{{G1117}}` in Revelation firmly establishes it as a marker of worldly luxury and materialism. Ultimately, it functions as part of a larger biblical theme: the impermanence of earthly treasures in contrast to eternal values.
TRV