### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G5191 (ὑακίνθινος, *hyakínthinos*) is derived from the noun G5192 (ὑάκινθος, *hyákinthos*). Its core meaning is "hyacinthine" or "jacinthine," specifically referring to a color. In ancient usage, "jacinth" (ὑάκινθος) was a precious stone, often identified as a variety of zircon or sapphire, known for its deep, rich color. This color is typically understood as a deep blue or bluish-purple, sometimes verging on violet or reddish-purple, akin to the hue of the hyacinth flower. The semantic range is therefore quite precise, denoting not merely "blue" but a specific, intense, and often dark shade of blue-purple.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5191 (ὑακίνθινος) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Revelation:
* [[Revelation 9:17]]: "And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them having breastplates fiery red, and hyacinthine [ὑακίνθινος], and sulfur yellow..."
In this singular occurrence, G5191 describes the color of the breastplates worn by the demonic horsemen unleashed during the sixth trumpet judgment. It is listed alongside "fiery red" (πύρινος, *pýrinos*) and "sulfur yellow" (θειώδης, *theiōdēs*). This triad of colors is highly symbolic within the apocalyptic context. The subsequent verse ([[Revelation 9:18]]) explicitly states that "fire and smoke and brimstone" proceeded from the mouths of the horses. The "hyacinthine" color, therefore, contributes to the overall visual imagery of destruction and divine wrath, likely representing the dense, dark smoke, or perhaps the bruised and ominous quality of the judgment itself, distinct from the bright flames and sulfurous fumes. It paints a picture of a pervasive, suffocating darkness accompanying the fiery destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G5192 (ὑάκινθος, *hyákinthos*):** This is the direct root noun from which G5191 is formed. G5192 appears in [[Revelation 21:20]] as one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, described as "jacinth." This usage emphasizes the precious and beautiful nature of the stone itself, contrasting with the ominous use of its color in [[Revelation 9:17]].
* **Color Symbolism in Revelation:** The book of Revelation frequently employs colors with symbolic significance. For example, red often signifies war or bloodshed, black signifies famine or death, and white signifies purity or victory. The "hyacinthine" color, a deep blue-purple, when juxtaposed with "fiery red" and "sulfur yellow," creates a visual lexicon of divine judgment, fire, and destruction.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** While G5191 does not appear in the Septuagint, the color "blue" (תְּכֵלֶת, *tekhelet*, often translated as `{{H8504}}` or `{{H8507}}`) is prominent in the Old Testament. This deep blue-purple dye was extensively used in the construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments (e.g., [[Exodus 25:4]], [[Exodus 26:1]], [[Exodus 28:6]], [[Numbers 4:6]]). In these contexts, blue typically symbolized the heavens, the divine presence, holiness, and royalty. The "hyacinthine" color in Revelation, while sharing a similar hue, takes on a drastically different, ominous connotation when associated with judgment, demonstrating how biblical imagery can be recontextualized to convey new theological truths.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of G5191 in [[Revelation 9:17]] holds profound theological significance. The "hyacinthine" color, as part of the terrifying visual description of the horsemen, underscores the severity and comprehensiveness of divine judgment. It is not merely a descriptive detail but an evocative element, contributing to the overall sense of dread and awe that accompanies God's righteous wrath.
Unlike the often positive connotations of blue in the Old Testament, where it signifies heavenly glory, purity, or the sacred presence of God, here in Revelation, the "hyacinthine" hue is transformed. When paired with "fiery red" and "sulfur yellow," it contributes to an image of destruction, perhaps representing the dark, suffocating smoke of torment, the bruised and dying state of those under judgment, or the somber, unyielding aspect of divine justice. It serves as a visual metaphor for the inescapable and multifaceted nature of God's judgment against a rebellious world. The precise choice of this rich, deep color emphasizes the detailed and intentional nature of these apocalyptic visions, revealing the depth of God's holy response to sin.
### Summary
The Greek adjective G5191 (ὑακίνθινος, *hyakínthinos*), meaning "hyacinthine" or "jacinthine" and denoting a deep blue or bluish-purple color, appears uniquely in [[Revelation 9:17]]. In this passage, it describes the breastplates of the horsemen in the sixth trumpet judgment, appearing alongside "fiery red" and "sulfur yellow." This specific color contributes to the vivid and terrifying imagery of divine wrath, symbolizing perhaps the dark smoke of torment or the ominous nature of judgment itself, distinct from the generally positive connotations of "blue" in the Old Testament. Theologically, its inclusion underscores the severe, detailed, and comprehensive nature of God's righteous judgment, painting a powerful visual of the destructive consequences of sin within John's prophetic vision.
TRV