λευκός
white, bright
Definition
The adjective λευκός primarily means 'white' or 'bright,' describing literal color, light, and symbolic purity. Literally, it describes white garments (Mark 16:5), hair (Matthew 5:36), and brilliantly white clothing during Jesus' transfiguration (Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:3). Symbolically, it denotes purity, victory, and heavenly glory. In John's visions, white robes signify the righteousness of the saints (Revelation 3:4-5, 7:9), and the white horse represents conquest (Revelation 6:2, 19:11). In an agricultural metaphor, it describes fields 'white for harvest,' indicating readiness (John 4:35).
Biblical Usage
Λευκός appears 23 times across the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation, with a clear pattern. In the Gospels, it often describes literal, radiant whiteness in supernatural contexts (e.g., Jesus' transfiguration, angelic garments). In Revelation, its usage is overwhelmingly symbolic, describing clothing, horses, and thrones to convey purity, victory, and divine approval. The sole agricultural use is in John 4:35.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek root λευκ-, meaning 'light' or 'brightness.' It is related to the verb λεύσσω ('to see') and the noun λύκη ('light of morning'), connecting the concept of whiteness to light and visibility. The word is a common Indo-European color term.
Semantic Range
Λευκός is theologically significant as a key symbol of purity, righteousness, and eschatological victory in the New Testament. It is central to the imagery of sanctification (white robes of the saints), Christ's glory (transfiguration), and his ultimate triumph (the white horse of Revelation 19:11). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that 'white' in biblical prophecy is not merely a color but a profound metaphor for moral purity and divine vindication.
In the ancient Greco-Roman world, white clothing was often expensive (requiring bleaching) and was worn for festivals, by priests, and to denote victory or high status. This cultural association with celebration, purity, and triumph directly informs its biblical symbolic use. The 'white for harvest' metaphor (John 4:35) would be visually immediate for an agrarian society, where light-colored, ripe grain stands out.
καθαρός (katharos, G2513) — emphasizes moral or ritual purity, cleanliness. λαμπρός (lampros, G2986) — emphasizes shining brilliance, splendor, or magnificence.
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.
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