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ἀμαράντινος

amarántinos

G262 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Made of amaranth; unfading, everlasting, especially describing something that does not wither, perish, or lose its qualities with the passage of time. Used metaphorically of that which is imperishable or enduring.

Semantic Range

unfading, that does not wither, imperishable, enduring, everlasting, perpetual (esp. of glory, honor or reward)

Root / Etymology

From ἀμάραντος ('unfading, imperishable'), itself from the prefix ἀ- (not) + μαραίνω ('to wither, fade'). The suffix -ινος forms adjectives denoting 'made of' or 'having the quality of.' Thus, ἀμαράντινος literally means 'of/like amaranth,' referring to the flower of perpetual bloom, and metaphorically, 'unfading.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The adjective ἀμαράντινος is rare and primarily attested in later Koine and Christian texts, notably in 1 Peter 5:4, where it describes a 'crown of glory' as one that is unfading or imperishable. The amaranth was an emblem in Greek literature of immortality, as its bloom was said never to fade; thus, the term acquired a metaphorical sense for things enduring beyond decay—often in relation to honor, reward, or glory. English translations traditionally render it as 'unfading' or 'that fadeth not away,' but the underlying metaphor—derived from the flower—may not be fully captured in these renderings. Not found in classical Greek literature; its use reflects Hellenistic and later spiritualized language. The related form ἀμάραντος occurs more frequently in Greek writings of the era.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀμάραντος; "amaranthine", i.e. (by implication) fadeless:--that fadeth not away.

Root Family

ἀμαράντινος (amarántinos) — unfading, imperishable, enduring

Root ἀμαραντ- unfading, imperishable, enduring

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G262-01 ἀμαράντινον amarantinon ADJ.S ACC M SG unfading unfading one unfading 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G262-01 1 Peter 5:4 ἀμαράντινον amarantinon ADJ.S ACC M SG unfading unfading one unfading
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