πορφυρόπωλις (porphuropōlis)
porphuropōlis
dealer in purple
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun porphuropōlis refers to a dealer in purple dye or fabric. In the New Testament, it appears only once, identifying Lydia as a "seller of purple" in Acts 16:14. This term highlights her profession in a lucrative trade, as Tyrian purple was an expensive commodity associated with wealth and status in the ancient world.
The word is a compound formed from porphyra ("purple") and pōlēs ("seller"). Its singular occurrence underscores Lydia’s distinct role in the early church narrative. By noting her occupation, the text grounds the gospel story in real economic life, showing how individuals with professional standing contributed to the spread of Christian teaching.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word porphuropōlis describes a dealer in purple dye or fabric. In Acts 16:14, it identifies Lydia as a seller of purple in Thyatira. This was a skilled and profitable trade, linking her to the wealth and status of the Roman world.
Lydia’s profession shows that God uses people from all walks of life. Her business connections likely helped spread the gospel after she welcomed Paul and his companions into her home. We see here that faith and work are not separate; our daily jobs can become places where we serve others and share hope.
This story invites us to consider how our own skills and resources might open doors for God’s message. Whether in commerce, service, or quiet acts of kindness, every area of life matters to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a seller of purple1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πορφυρόπωλις1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 16:14
A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us. The Lord opened her heart to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul.
This verse uniquely identifies Lydia by her trade, showing how her professional identity and spiritual openness intersected as the Lord prepared her heart for Paul's message.