Lexical Summary bussos: fine linen Original Word: βύσσος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fine linen. Of Hebrew origin (buwts); white linen -- fine linen. see HEBREW buwts HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1040 býssos – fine linen, i.e. a very expensive (sought-after) form of linen – "a specific species of Egyptian flax or linen made from it that is very costly, delicate" (J. Thayer). See 1039 (byssinos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin buts Definition byssus (a species of flax), also (the) linen (made from it) NASB Translation fine linen (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1040: βύσσοςβύσσος, βύσσου, ἡ (Vanicek, Fremdwörter, under the word), byssus, a species of Egyptian flax (found also in India and Achaia) — or linen made from it — very costly, delicate, soft, white, and also of a yellow color (see respecting it Pollux, onomast. 50:7 c. 17 § 75): Luke 16:19; Revelation 18:12 Rec. (In the Sept. generally for שֵׁשׁ, also בּוּץ, cf. 1 Chronicles 15:27; 2 Chronicles 5:12; cf. Winers RWB under the word Baumwolle; (BB. DD., see under the words, Topical Lexicon Historical BackgroundFine linen, often woven from specially processed flax fibers, was among the most prized textiles of the ancient Near East. In Egypt it clothed pharaohs and wrapped mummies; in Canaan and Phoenicia it became an export commodity; in Israel it was reserved for the most sacred and honored uses. The Greek term appearing in Luke 16:19 reflects this long‐standing tradition of exclusivity and luxury. Old Testament Foundations 1. Worship and Priesthood 2. Royal and Domestic Wealth 3. Covenant Imagery Symbolic Significance Purity and Righteousness Revelation 19:8 explains, “Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.” Because linen was meticulously bleached and kept unstained, it became a visual metaphor for moral purity. Glory and Prosperity Conversely, linen’s high cost made it a cultural shorthand for opulence. When prosperity led to pride, prophets denounced its misuse (Isaiah 3:23; Amos 6:4-7). The Rich Man of Luke 16:19 “Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor.” (Luke 16:19) Jesus selects the twin fabrics—royal purple and fine linen—to portray a lifestyle of self-indulgence. The narrative juxtaposes that outward grandeur with inward spiritual poverty. Linen’s symbolic purity is ironically inverted: outward perfection cannot mask a callous heart toward Lazarus. The single New Testament occurrence of this term therefore carries a powerful moral indictment—wealth without compassion invites judgment. Broader New Testament Echoes Derivative forms in Revelation (e.g., Revelation 19:14) connect linen with the redeemed Church. The same fabric that exposes the rich man’s hardheartedness becomes the bride’s garment in glory. Scripture thus preserves thematic coherence: linen condemns hollow luxury yet crowns genuine righteousness. Cultural and Economic Insights • Production: Spinning and weaving fine linen demanded extraordinary skill; bleaching required several stages of soaking and drying under desert sun. Ministry Applications 1. Stewardship vs. Self-Indulgence The rich man’s linen warns believers that possessions, however splendid, can anesthetize compassion. Matthew 25:40 links service to the needy with service to Christ Himself. 2. Pursuit of Holiness As priests wore linen to keep free from defilement, so modern disciples are called to “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14), maintaining purity in daily conduct. 3. Worship Aesthetics Linen’s beauty enriched Israel’s worship environment. Churches may likewise employ artistry and quality materials to honor God, provided they avoid ostentation and remember that true worship is “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Eschatological Hope The fine linen of Revelation signals the consummation of redemption. What began as a symbol in the wilderness sanctuary culminates in the marriage supper of the Lamb. Believers anticipate being “clothed instead, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (2 Corinthians 5:4), exchanging earthly garments for imperishable glory. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 1040 surfaces only once in the New Testament, yet it draws upon a rich biblical tapestry. From the Tabernacle to the parables of Jesus and the visions of John, fine linen reveals the tension between external splendor and inner righteousness, ultimately pointing to the spotless perfection granted in Christ. Forms and Transliterations βυούσης βυσσον βύσσον βύσσος βύσσου βύσσω βώλακας βώλους busson bysson býssonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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