Lexical Summary melas: Black Original Word: μέλας Strong's Exhaustive Concordance black. Apparently a primary word; black -- black. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition black NASB Translation black (3), ink (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3189: μέλαςμέλας, μέλαινα, μέλαν, genitive μέλανος, μελαινης, μέλανος (from Homer down), the Sept. several times for שָׁחֹר, black: Revelation 6:5, 12; opposed to λευκός, Matthew 5:36. Neuter τό μέλαν, substantive black ink (Plato, Phaedr., p. 276 c.; Demosthenes, p. 313, 11; Plutarch, mor., p. 841 e.; others): 2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 John 1:12; 3 John 1:13; (cf. Gardthausen, Palaeographie, Buch i. Kap. 4; Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, ii., 270f; B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope This adjective describes the color “black” and by extension the appearance of something darkened, dusky, or ominous. While common in classical Greek, it appears only three times in the New Testament, each occurrence reinforcing a distinct theological truth: the impossibility of self–generated righteousness (Matthew 5), the reality of divine judgment (Revelation 6:5), and the cosmic upheaval that precedes the Day of the Lord (Revelation 6:12). Biblical Occurrences • Matthew 5:36—Jesus reminds His listeners that they “cannot make a single hair white or black.” The term underscores human inability to alter even the smallest detail of creation, exposing the futility of oath-making based on personal power. Semantic and Theological Nuances 1. Human Limitation (Matthew 5:36): Black hair serves as a visual illustration of the Creator–creature distinction. By choosing a common, observable feature, Jesus asserts God’s exclusive sovereignty over natural processes, supporting His call to simple, truthful speech (Matthew 5:37). Cultural and Historical Background First-century listeners associated black with mourning garments, goat-hair sackcloth, and severe droughts that leave the land scorched. Roman commerce weighed grain on scales similar to those in Revelation 6:5, so a “black horse” rider bearing scales would immediately evoke images of rationing and distress. Jewish apocalyptic writings (for example, 1 Enoch 100:2–3) also employ darkened luminaries to announce final judgment, providing shared cultural resonance for John’s vision. Symbolic Implications in Scripture • Darkness versus Light: Scripture frequently contrasts blackness with the divine light (John 1:5; 1 John 1:5). The adjective’s sparse but strategic New Testament usage keeps the motif sharp, ensuring that when “black” appears it amplifies either the impotence of man or the majesty of God’s impending justice. Ministry and Practical Application 1. Truthful Speech: Matthew 5:36–37 instructs believers to rely on God’s sovereign control rather than bolster credibility with elaborate vows. Ministry that models simple honesty magnifies divine faithfulness. Related Concepts and Cross-References Light and Darkness: John 1:5; 1 John 1:5–7 Famine and Scales: Leviticus 26:26; Ezekiel 4:16 Cosmic Signs: Joel 2:31; Matthew 24:29; Acts 2:20 Human Inability versus Divine Sovereignty: Psalm 139:13–16; James 4:13–15 Summary Though appearing only three times, the term translated “black” furnishes Scripture with a multidimensional symbol: it humbles human pride, marks societal judgment, and heralds eschatological climax. Recognizing these layers equips believers to speak truthfully, serve compassionately, and proclaim Christ’s imminent return. Forms and Transliterations μέλαινα μελαιναν μέλαιναν μέλανες μελας μέλας melainan mélainan melas mélasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:36 Adj-AFSGRK: ποιῆσαι ἢ μέλαιναν NAS: white or black. KJV: white or black. INT: to make or black Revelation 6:5 Adj-NMS Revelation 6:12 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 3189 |
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