2463. iris
Lexicon
iris: Rainbow

Original Word: ἶρις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: iris
Pronunciation: EE-ris
Phonetic Spelling: (ee'-ris)
Definition: Rainbow
Meaning: a rainbow or halo.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
rainbow.

Perhaps from ereo (as a symbol of the female messenger of the pagan deities); a rainbow ("iris") -- rainbow.

see GREEK ereo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
a rainbow
NASB Translation
rainbow (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2463: ἶρις

ἶρις, ἰριδος, (Iris), a rainbow: Revelation 4:3; Revelation 10:1. (Homer, Aristotle, Theophrastus, others).

Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word for "rainbow" or "halo."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent for the concept of a rainbow is found in Strong's Hebrew Dictionary under the entry 7198 קֶשֶׁת (qeshet), which also means "bow" or "rainbow." This term is used in Genesis 9:13-16 to describe the sign of God's covenant with Noah.

Usage: The word ἶρις is used in the New Testament to describe the appearance of a rainbow, symbolizing God's covenant and glory. It is found in the context of divine visions and heavenly imagery.

Context: The Greek term ἶρις appears in the New Testament in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 4:3 (BSB), the Apostle John describes a vision of the heavenly throne: "And the One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow (ἶρις) that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne." This imagery evokes the Old Testament covenantal promise of the rainbow given to Noah in Genesis 9:13-17, symbolizing God's mercy and faithfulness. The rainbow around the throne signifies the encompassing glory and majesty of God, as well as His covenantal faithfulness to His creation. The use of ἶρις in this context highlights the continuity of God's promises and the manifestation of His divine presence.

Forms and Transliterations
ίρεως ιρις ίρις ἶρις iris îris
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Revelation 4:3 N-NFS
GRK: σαρδίῳ καὶ ἶρις κυκλόθεν τοῦ
NAS: in appearance; and [there was] a rainbow around
KJV: and [there was] a rainbow round about
INT: a sardius and a rainbow [was] around the

Revelation 10:1 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ ἡ ἶρις ἐπὶ τῆς
NAS: with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head,
KJV: and a rainbow [was] upon
INT: and a rainbow on the

Strong's Greek 2463
2 Occurrences


ἶρις — 2 Occ.















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