κόκκινος
kókkinos
G2847 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
A deep red or crimson color, especially as produced from the kermes insect; used to describe textiles, garments, and other items dyed with this vivid red hue. The term indicates the distinct, rich coloration known as 'scarlet' or 'crimson' in ancient Mediterranean contexts. In some instances, the word can function substantively to mean a scarlet or crimson cloth or thread.
Semantic Range
crimson-colored, scarlet-colored, dyed or tinged red (esp. textiles or garments), (as a substantive) scarlet or crimson cloth or thread, symbolically indicating luxury or splendor
Root / Etymology
From κόκκος ('kermes insect, grain, seed'), referring to the cochineal or kermes scale insect, from which a natural red dye (crimson/scarlet) was extracted in antiquity. The formation uses the adjectival suffix -ινος (-inos).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term κόκκινος is attested in Hellenistic and Koine Greek literature to describe textiles or other materials dyed red by means of the kermes insect. It appears in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew terms such as שָׁנִי (shani), especially in reference to the fabrics and vestments of the tabernacle or priesthood, which were mandated to be dyed scarlet. In the New Testament (e.g., Matt 27:28; Heb 9:19; Rev 17:3-4, 18:12,16), it often denotes luxury, opulence, or ritual significance due to the expense and rarity of the dye. Unlike generic terms for 'red' (e.g., ἐρυθρός), κόκκινος specifically indicates the rich, brilliant hue produced by kermes. English translations conventionally use 'scarlet' or 'crimson', though the precise shade and cultural associations may differ from modern color terminology. The root κόκκος also gives rise to Latin coccinus, the source of Romance forms for 'scarlet'.
Translation Consistency
The term denotes the vivid, kermes-produced red used for textiles and garments; 'scarlet' is the natural, traditional English rendering in biblical contexts and works well both adjectivally and substantively (scarlet cloth/thread) while preserving the luxury/splendor connotation. 'Scarlet' is clearer and more idiomatic for general readers than alternatives like 'crimson.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κόκκος (from the kernel-shape of the insect); crimson-colored:--scarlet (colour, coloured).
Root Family
κόκκινος (kokkinos) — red, crimson, scarlet
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2847-02 |
κόκκινον | kokkinon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
scarlet | crimson | scarlet | 3 |
G2847-03 |
κοκκίνου | kokkinou | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
of scarlet | of crimson | of scarlet | 2 |
G2847-01 |
κοκκίνην | kokkinen | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
scarlet | crimson-colored | crimson-colored | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2847-01 |
Matthew 27:28 | κοκκίνην | kokkinen | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
scarlet | crimson-colored | crimson-colored |
G2847-03 |
Hebrews 9:19 | κοκκίνου | kokkinou | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
scarlet | of crimson | of scarlet |
G2847-02 |
Revelation 17:3 | κόκκινον | kokkinon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
scarlet | crimson | scarlet |
G2847-02 |
Revelation 17:4 | κόκκινον | kokkinon | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
scarlet | crimson | scarlet |
G2847-03 |
Revelation 18:12 | κοκκίνου | kokkinou | ADJ.S GEN N SG |
of scarlet | of crimson | of scarlet |
G2847-02 |
Revelation 18:16 | κόκκινον | kokkinon | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
scarlet | crimson | scarlet |