ἐλεφάντινος

made of ivory

Definition

The adjective ἐλεφάντινος (elephantinos) means 'made of ivory' or 'consisting of ivory.' In its only New Testament occurrence, it functions as a substantive (a noun) to refer to 'ivory' itself as a material. This usage is found in Revelation 18:12, where it is listed among the luxurious cargo of Babylon the Great. The word specifically denotes objects crafted from the tusks of elephants, representing items of immense value and artistic craftsmanship in the ancient world.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 18:12. It appears in a prophetic list of extravagant merchandise—including gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet—that will no longer be traded after the fall of the symbolic city of Babylon. Its usage here is purely descriptive of a luxury material, highlighting the city's opulence and wealth derived from global commerce.

Etymology

Derived directly from the Greek noun ἐλέφας (elephas, G1661), meaning 'elephant' or 'ivory.' The suffix -ινος (-inos) is a common adjectival ending indicating 'made of' or 'pertaining to.' Thus, ἐλεφάντινος literally means 'of or pertaining to ivory.' The root word itself was borrowed into Greek from a non-Indo-European source, likely reflecting the exotic origin of the material.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a simple material descriptor, its single biblical use in Revelation 18:12 carries significant theological weight. It contributes to the vivid depiction of Babylon's corrupting luxury and global economic exploitation, which stands in stark contrast to the purity and simplicity of the New Jerusalem. Understanding it as a top-tier luxury item enriches the reader's grasp of the passage's critique of worldly wealth and idolatrous commerce that opposes God's kingdom.

In the 1st-century Greco-Roman world, ivory was an exceptionally precious commodity, imported from Africa and India. It was used for inlaid furniture, small decorative statues, ornamental panels, and luxury items for the elite. Its mention alongside other rare goods in Revelation 18:12 would immediately signal extreme wealth, artistic sophistication, and the reach of long-distance trade networks—all symbols of a decadent, materialistic civilization under divine judgment.

There are no direct synonyms for this specific material adjective in the New Testament. The closest related term is the root noun ἐλέφας (elephas, G1661) — the source word meaning 'elephant' or 'ivory' itself, from which ἐλεφάντινος is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References