אַרְגְּוָן
Definition
אַרְגְּוָן refers to a rich, deep purple or violet dye, specifically the color purple. In the biblical context, it denotes a high-value textile dye derived from certain mollusks, used to color garments and fabrics. This word appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of Daniel, where it signifies a royal reward or honor, as seen in Daniel 5:7, 16, and 29, where King Belshazzar promises to clothe someone in purple as a mark of high status.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only in the Book of Daniel, specifically in the Aramaic sections. It occurs three times, all in Daniel chapter 5, describing the reward offered by King Belshazzar to anyone who could interpret the mysterious writing on the wall. The pattern of usage consistently links purple with royal authority and honor, as the king promises to adorn the interpreter with purple clothing, a chain of gold, and high rank (Daniel 5:7, 16, 29).
Etymology
The word אַרְגְּוָן is an Aramaic term directly corresponding to the Hebrew אַרְגְּוָן (H710). It is a loanword, likely borrowed from an ancient Near Eastern source, reflecting the widespread trade and cultural exchange of luxury goods like purple dye. The root relates to the color purple itself, with cognates found in other Semitic languages, indicating its long-standing association with dyed textiles.
Semantic Range
Purple, symbolized by אַרְגְּוָן, carries theological significance as a color of royalty, wealth, and divine authority in Scripture. In Daniel, its use underscores the themes of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms, as the true interpretation of the writing comes from God, not human wisdom. Understanding this term enriches Bible reading by highlighting how material symbols like purple point to spiritual realities, such as Christ's kingship (cf. Mark 15:17, John 19:2).
In the ancient Near East, purple dye was extremely valuable and labor-intensive to produce, often sourced from sea snails. It was a symbol of luxury, prestige, and royal power, worn primarily by nobility and high officials. This cultural context explains why Belshazzar's offer of purple clothing in Daniel 5 was a significant honor, reflecting societal norms where color denoted social rank and authority.
תְּכֵלֶת (tᵊḵēleṯ, H8504) — a blue or violet dye, also used for priestly garments and royal items, but distinct in shade and sometimes in source. אַרְגָּמָן (ʼargāmān, H713) — a Hebrew synonym for purple, used more broadly in the Old Testament for royal and tabernacle fabrics.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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