ἔριον
wool
Definition
ἔριον (erion) refers to the wool of sheep, a common material in the ancient world. In the New Testament, it is used literally to describe the material used in ritual purification (Hebrews 9:19) and symbolically to describe the appearance of hair (Revelation 1:14). The word consistently denotes the physical fiber, with no extended metaphorical meanings in its biblical occurrences.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct contexts. In Hebrews 9:19, it is part of the description of the Mosaic covenant ceremony, where Moses used wool along with other elements for sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice. In Revelation 1:14, it is used in a visionary description, comparing the hair of the risen Christ to white wool, emphasizing purity and glory. Both uses rely on the word's basic, literal sense.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek noun ἔριον, which simply means 'wool.' It is a primary, concrete noun with no complex derivation from other roots, reflecting its status as a basic material term in the language.
Semantic Range
While a common material, wool gains theological significance in its specific contexts. In Hebrews 9:19, its use in the old covenant purification ritual highlights the tangible, preparatory nature of the Old Testament ceremonies, which the book argues are fulfilled in Christ. In Revelation 1:14, the simile 'white as wool' for Christ's hair connects to divine purity, wisdom (cf. Daniel 7:9), and majestic glory, enriching the portrait of the exalted Son of Man.
Wool was a fundamental textile fiber in the ancient Mediterranean, associated with clothing, tents, and ritual objects. Its whiteness was culturally symbolic of purity and cleanliness. The use of a hyssop branch bound with wool for sprinkling blood (as implied in Hebrews 9:19) was a specific ritual practice in Jewish law (see Leviticus 14:4-6).
ποίμνη (poimnē, G4167) — a flock (of sheep), the source of the wool. κῶας (kōas, G2754) — a fleece, the wool in its raw, shorn state.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
Full methodology & sources →