κόκκινος

crimson

Definition

The Greek adjective κόκκινος (kokkinos) primarily means 'scarlet' or 'crimson,' referring to a vivid red color derived from a specific dye. This dye was produced from the dried bodies of the female kermes insect (coccum), which infested certain oak trees in the Mediterranean region. In the New Testament, it describes both literal scarlet cloth, such as the robe placed on Jesus (Matthew 27:28) and the scarlet wool used in ritual purification (Hebrews 9:19), and symbolic scarlet items, particularly in Revelation, representing extreme luxury, immorality, and worldly power (Revelation 17:3-4, 18:12, 16).

Biblical Usage

The word is used six times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels, Hebrews, and prominently in Revelation. In Matthew 27:28, it describes the literal scarlet robe used to mock Jesus. In Hebrews 9:19, it refers to the scarlet wool used in Mosaic covenant rituals. In Revelation, all four uses are symbolic: the scarlet beast and the scarlet-clad woman (Revelation 17:3-4) represent blasphemous political and religious systems, while scarlet merchandise (Revelation 18:12, 16) signifies the corrupt luxury of Babylon.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek κόκκος (kokkos), meaning 'berry' or 'grain,' but specifically referring to the kermes insect used to produce the red dye. The term is thus directly connected to the source material of the color. Cognates appear in Latin (coccineus) and English ('crimson' and 'carmine' are derived from similar roots related to the kermes insect).

Semantic Range

Κόκκινος carries significant theological symbolism, especially in Revelation. The color scarlet is ambivalent: it can recall the blood of sacrifice and covenant (Hebrews 9:19), but more often symbolizes sin (Isaiah 1:18), opulence, and spiritual adultery (Revelation 17:4). Understanding this dual symbolism—connecting to both ritual purity and profound corruption—enriches the reading of Revelation's imagery, highlighting the contrast between the world's seductive splendor and its ultimate judgment.

In the ancient world, scarlet dye was expensive and labor-intensive to produce, making scarlet cloth a marker of great wealth, royalty, and high status. The color's intensity and cost gave it symbolic weight beyond a simple hue. This cultural association with luxury and power directly informs its use in Revelation to depict Babylon's opulence. The modern concept of 'red' lacks these specific connotations of cost, status, and the insect-based origin.

πυρρός (pyrros, G4450) — denotes a 'fiery red' or 'tawny' color, like fire or red hair, less specific to the costly dye. ἁλουργός (halourgos, G4210) — refers to 'purple' cloth, specifically Tyrian purple, another expensive status-color dye, often paired with scarlet in descriptions of luxury (Revelation 18:16).

Word Details

Scripture References