βύσσινος (bussinos)
bussinos
fine linen
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective bussinos describes something made of fine linen, specifically referring to high-quality fabric woven from flax. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, all within the Book of Revelation, where John uses it to paint vivid pictures of luxury and holiness.
This word highlights a stark contrast in imagery. In Revelation 18, merchants list bussinos among their valuable goods alongside purple and scarlet, symbolizing the immense wealth of fallen Babylon (Revelation 18:12, 16). Yet in Revelation 19, the same material describes the bright, clean linen worn by the armies of heaven, representing the righteous acts of God’s people (Revelation 19:8, 14).
Its root connects to the Greek word for flax or linen itself. The sources note that in the Septuagint, this term often translates Hebrew words like shesh and butz, which also denote fine, processed linen used in temple garments and royal attire. This usage underscores its value as a material fit for both earthly kings and divine worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bussinos points to fine linen, a fabric valued in the ancient world for its purity and brightness. In Revelation, John uses this material to paint two very different pictures. One shows the lavish wealth of a fallen city, where fine linen is just another item on a merchant’s list. The other shows the clean, bright clothing worn by the armies of heaven.
There is a deep spiritual lesson here for your life. The text tells us that this fine linen represents the righteous acts of God’s people. It suggests that our daily choices and kind deeds are woven into something beautiful. This fabric is not about luxury or status, but about the integrity and love we show to others.
When you face hard seasons, remember that your faithful actions matter. They are seen and valued by God. You do not need expensive things to be significant. Your quiet acts of kindness and honesty are part of a larger story of hope and redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fine linen3×
- the fine linen1×
- of fine linen [things]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βύσσινον4×
- βυσσίνου1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 19:8
It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
This verse explicitly defines the fine linen as the righteous acts of the saints, linking the material directly to moral conduct.
-
Revelation of John 18:16
saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, she who was dressed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls!
Here the word describes the fallen city’s attire, showing how luxury can become a symbol of pride and judgment.
-
Revelation of John 19:14
The armies which are in heaven, clothed in white, pure, fine linen, followed him on white horses.
The heavenly armies wear this same fabric, emphasizing purity and readiness to follow Christ in truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bussinos mean in the Bible?
Why is fine linen mentioned in Revelation?
What does the fine linen represent in Revelation 19:8?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Revelation of John 4 verses
merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every…
Revelation of John 18:16saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, she who was dressed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold and…
Revelation of John 19:8It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen, for the fine linen is the righteous acts…
Revelation of John 19:14The armies which are in heaven, clothed in white, pure, fine linen, followed him on white horses.