πορφύρα
porphura (G4209)
purple cloth
AI Word Study
The Greek word πορφύρα (porphura) refers to a type of purple cloth. In the biblical text, this term is used to describe a high-end fabric, possibly due to its association with Tyrian purple, a dye extracted from the secretions of the murex snail. Occurrences of this word in the Bible reveal its range of usage: it is mentioned as part of the priestly garments worn by Aaron (Exodus 28:6), as a cloth for King David's garments (1 Chronicles 15:27), and in reference to the fine linens and purple cloths used as a burial cloth for Jacob (Genesis 50:11) and possibly for John the Baptist's clothing (Mark 6:14). The significance of πορφύρα lies in its value and rarity. The dye used to produce this purple fabric was expensive and difficult to obtain, making it a status symbol in ancient cultures. The use of this cloth in biblical contexts therefore implies dignity, luxury, and sometimes even divinity.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him.
When they had mocked him, they took the purple off him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him.
“Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.
merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;