λίνον (linon)
linon
linen/wick
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun linon refers to linen, a fabric woven from flax fibers. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet in each instance it carries significant symbolic weight. Matthew 12:20 quotes Isaiah, describing a bruised reed that will not be broken and a smoldering wick of linon that will not be extinguished, illustrating God’s gentle care for the weak.
Its second occurrence is in Revelation 15:6, where the seven angels are clothed in clean, bright linen. Here, the material represents purity and righteousness, contrasting with the coarse garments of judgment elsewhere in the text. The sources note that while linon can refer to the raw flax plant, its primary biblical usage emphasizes the refined fabric used for sacred or ceremonial purposes.
Translators consistently render this word as "linen" or "flax," preserving the tangible quality of the material. The choice of linen over wool or other textiles in these specific contexts highlights themes of fragility preserved by grace and holiness required for divine service. This distinction underscores how ordinary materials are elevated to represent spiritual realities in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word linon appears in Scripture to highlight two profound truths about God’s character. In Matthew 12:20, it describes a wick that is still smoking yet not extinguished. This image shows that Jesus does not discard what is fragile or worn out. Instead, He tends to the weakest parts of our lives with great care, preserving what might easily be lost.
In Revelation 15:6, the same material appears as bright linen worn by angels. Here, it signifies purity and readiness for divine service. This contrast reminds us that while we may feel broken like a dimming wick, we are also called to live in holiness. God’s grace sustains our weakness, and His righteousness clothes our lives.
Whether you are experiencing fragility or striving for purity, this word points to a faithful God who values both your current state and your ultimate calling. He tends to your wounds and prepares you for His presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- linen1×
- a wick1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λίνον2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 12:20
He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory.
This verse uses linon to describe a smoking wick that is not quenched, illustrating Jesus’ gentle preservation of the weak and bruised.
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Revelation of John 15:6
The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their chests.
Here, linen represents the purity and righteousness required for those serving in God’s final judgment, contrasting with the rougher garments elsewhere.