Lexical Summary porphuropólis: Seller of purple Original Word: πορφυροπώλις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dealer of purple cloth. Feminine of a compound of porphura and poleo; a female trader in purple cloth -- seller of purple. see GREEK porphura see GREEK poleo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4211 porphyrópōlis – a woman dealing (selling) purple cloth. See 4209 (porphýra). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom porphura and póleó Definition a seller of purple fabrics NASB Translation purple fabrics (1), seller of purple fabrics (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4211: πορφυρόπωλιςπορφυρόπωλις, πορφυροπωλιδος, ἡ (πορφύρα and πωλέω), a female seller of purple or of fabrics dyed in purple (Vulg.purpuraria): Acts 16:14. (Photius, Suidas, others.) Topical Lexicon Historical Background of Purple Trading Purple dye, extracted chiefly from the murex mollusk and, in Asia Minor, from the madder root, was labor-intensive and costly. In the Greco-Roman world the finished fabric signified rank, wealth, and imperial authority, a meaning carried over from Persian and earlier Near-Eastern cultures (Esther 8:15). Dealers who moved this luxury commodity occupied a niche that intersected commerce, politics, and fashion. Geographical Context: Thyatira and Philippi Thyatira, located in the fertile Lycus-Hermus valley, lay on the imperial road linking Pergamum to Laodicea. The city was renowned for its dye guilds; inscriptions list multiple associations of dyers dating to the first century. Philippi, on the other hand, was a Roman colony in Macedonia with no local dye industry. A merchant commuting between the two cities illustrates the reach of Asian trade networks into Europe and the strategic nature of Paul’s westward mission (Acts 16:11-12). Lydia’s Social and Economic Standing The sole New Testament occurrence of the term (Acts 16:14) introduces “a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira.” Her occupation implies significant capital, travel experience, and freedom unusual for many women of the era. Lydia owns a household large enough to accommodate Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke (Acts 16:15). Her prompt offer of hospitality reveals both resources and social confidence. While some scholars view her as a freedwoman, nothing in the text suggests servitude; rather, she appears as an independent head of house. Spiritual Significance of Lydia’s Conversion Acts identifies Lydia as “a worshiper of God,” a Gentile adherent to Jewish monotheism. The narrative emphasizes divine initiative: “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message” (Acts 16:14). Her baptism, followed by that of her household (Acts 16:15), positions her as the first recorded convert on European soil, marking a decisive turning point in salvation history. The immediacy of her faith and obedience parallels Cornelius in Caesarea (Acts 10) and prefigures later household conversions (1 Corinthians 1:16). Ministry Implications of Hospitality and Generosity Lydia’s home becomes the base of operations for the fledgling Philippian church. After Paul and Silas are released from prison they return to her house to encourage the believers (Acts 16:40). Her hospitality models the New Testament pattern in which private dwellings serve as mission centers (Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15). Financial support implied by her status may explain why the Philippians develop a distinctive partnership with Paul (Philippians 4:15-16). Purple Cloth Imagery in Scripture Though the specific noun occurs only in Acts 16:14, purple’s symbolism recurs: Against this backdrop, Lydia’s sanctified use of wealth contrasts sharply with misuse of opulence elsewhere, illustrating how material resources can be redeemed for gospel purposes. Lessons for Today 1. Vocation as Mission Field: Lydia’s trade positioned her to encounter the gospel and extend it. Believers may view their occupations as divinely appointed intersections for witness. Strong’s Greek 4211 therefore encapsulates more than a commercial title; it opens a window onto the providential weaving of commerce, culture, and conversion in the advance of the gospel from Asia to Europe. Forms and Transliterations πορφυροπωλις πορφυρόπωλις porphuropolis porphuropōlis porphyropolis porphyropōlis porphyrópolis porphyrópōlisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |