βύσσινος
býssinos
G1039 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Made of fine linen; pertaining to, composed of, or resembling fine-quality linen. βύσσινος often refers specifically to garments or fabric produced from high-grade linen material, typically white or lightly colored, and considered valuable or luxurious. By extension, the term may indicate items made for elite or ceremonial use.
Semantic Range
made from fine linen, of fine linen, fashioned with byssos, related to high-quality flax fabric, refined linen material
Root / Etymology
Derived from βύσσος, itself a loanword of Semitic origin (cf. Hebrew בּוּץ, 'buts,' and Egyptian 'byssos'), referring to high-quality linen or flax. The suffix -ινος forms an adjective denoting material or composition.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, βύσσινος is rarely attested, with its use concentrated in later Koine, especially within the Septuagint and apocalyptic literature. It denotes objects (primarily clothing or fabric) made from 'byssos,' a term for extremely fine linen highly prized in the ancient Mediterranean, often used in priestly, regal, or luxury contexts. In both the LXX (e.g., Exod 26:31, 39:2) and the New Testament (e.g., Rev 18:12, 19:8, 14), βύσσινος conveys not only the material but also marks social and ritual status: it is linked with purity, extravagance, and sometimes with righteous acts (figuratively in Revelation). Although traditional English translations render it as 'fine linen,' this can obscure the signification of prestige, ritual purity, or luxury attached to the term in ancient contexts. Related but broader is the term λίνον ('linen'), which can refer to common linen. The word is neutral as to the ultimate source of the linen but, through ancient trade routes, often implies connections to Near Eastern luxury goods. The sense of 'byssus' as a marine fiber (as found in later botanical or zoological Latin) does not apply in Koine usages.
Translation Consistency
βύσσινος denotes material made of/byssus — specifically fine-quality linen. Using the simple, natural English noun “linen” consistently covers both adjectival and substantive uses (garment/fabric of linen) while allowing contextual qualifiers (e.g., “fine linen”) when the sense requires emphasis on quality.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from βύσσος; made of linen (neuter a linen cloth):--fine linen.
Root Family
βύσσινος (býssinos) — fine linen, flax fabric, made from byssos
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1039-01 |
βύσσινον | bussinon | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
fine linen | fine linen fabric | fine linen fabric | 4 |
G1039-02 |
βυσσίνου | bussinou | ADJ.S GEN N SG |
of fine linen | of fine linen | of fine linen | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1039-02 |
Revelation 18:12 | βυσσίνου | bussinou | ADJ.S GEN N SG |
of fine linen | of fine linen | of fine linen |
G1039-01 |
Revelation 18:16 | βύσσινον | bussinon | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
fine linen | fine linen fabric | fine linen fabric |
G1039-01 |
Revelation 19:8 | βύσσινον | bussinon | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
fine linen | fine linen fabric | fine linen fabric |
G1039-01 |
Revelation 19:8 | βύσσινον | bussinon-2 | ADJ.S NOM N SG |
fine linen | fine linen fabric | fine linen fabric |
G1039-01 |
Revelation 19:14 | βύσσινον | bussinon | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
fine linen | fine linen fabric | fine linen fabric |