λιπαρός
rich, sumptuous
Definition
The adjective λιπαρός (liparos) literally means 'fat' or 'oily,' describing something rich in oil or fat. In its figurative sense, it conveys the ideas of luxury, sumptuousness, and costly splendor. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Revelation 18:14, it is used metaphorically to describe the 'rich' or 'sumptuous' goods that have vanished from Babylon, representing the world's luxurious and indulgent commerce that is doomed to destruction.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 18:14. It appears in the context of the lament over fallen Babylon, listing the luxurious merchandise that has been lost. The usage is entirely metaphorical, describing not literal fat but the extravagant wealth and opulent goods of a corrupt commercial system.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek noun λίπος (lipos), meaning 'fat' or 'grease.' The adjective λιπαρός thus fundamentally describes something that is fatty, oily, or greasy. This literal sense naturally extended to describe anything rich, luxurious, or sumptuous, as fat and oil were associated with wealth, abundance, and costly delicacies in the ancient world.
Semantic Range
Theologically, this word is significant in its singular context of Revelation 18, which pronounces judgment on worldly systems built on greed, exploitation, and luxury. Understanding λιπαρός as 'sumptuous' enriches the reading by highlighting the transient nature of material wealth and God's ultimate judgment on economic and spiritual Babylon. It underscores the biblical theme that the pursuit of luxury apart from God leads to destruction.
In the ancient Greco-Roman world, fat and oil were symbols of prosperity, health, and abundance. They were used in expensive foods, ointments, and sacrifices. Therefore, something described as λιπαρός would be immediately understood as costly, desirable, and indicative of great wealth. This contrasts with a modern, often negative, view of 'fat' and helps explain why the term conveys luxurious splendor.
πλούσιος (plousios, G4145) — emphasizes wealth and riches in a general sense. τρυφερός (trypheros, not in NT) — emphasizes softness, delicacy, and luxurious living.
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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