πυρρός (purros)
purros
fiery red
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective pyrros describes a color that is fiery red or flame-like. Derived from the word for fire (pyr), it conveys not just any shade of red, but one that suggests heat and intensity. This term appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the book of Revelation.
In these instances, the word provides vivid visual detail to symbolic imagery. It describes the horse ridden by the figure holding a sword in Revelation 6:4, whose color signals violent conflict. Later, it characterizes the head of the great red dragon in Revelation 12:3, emphasizing its menacing and powerful nature through this association with burning flame.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pyrros paints a picture of intense heat and danger. It describes a color like burning flame, carrying the weight of fire’s power. In Revelation, this vivid imagery signals that something serious is happening. It is not a gentle shade but one that demands attention.
When we see this fiery red horse or dragon, we are reminded that spiritual battles are real and often feel overwhelming. The text uses this striking color to show the intensity of conflict and opposition. It helps us understand that the struggles we face may have deeper roots than just human disagreement.
This word invites us to look closer at the symbols in Scripture. It reminds us that God sees the full picture, even when things seem chaotic. We can trust that He is present in the midst of these fiery trials, guiding His people through them with wisdom and strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- red1×
- bright red.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πυρρός.1×
- πυρρὸς1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 6:4
Another came out, a red horse. To him who sat on it was given power to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. There was given to him a great sword.
The fiery red color of this horse signals violent conflict and the removal of peace, distinguishing it from a simple description of shade.
-
Revelation of John 12:3
Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns.
Applying this flame-like hue to the dragon’s head emphasizes its menacing power and connection to destructive forces in heaven.