Robe
From: Jeff Cox <coxjg@yahoo.com>
To: archie@clarksville.net
Hello Archie (archie@clarksville.net)
Thank you so much for your question and for making use of Bible Questions. Please do so again at http://www.biblequestions.org. Please check out Bible Truths at http://www.bibletruths.net.
You had asked a question about the color of robe Jesus wore
and the apparent difference in the accounts of Matt. 27:28 ("scarlet") and John 19:2 ("purple").
Response:
According to one Greek dictionary I have, the meaning of the
Greek word translated "purple" can also mean "reddish purple". Since "scarlet" is a dark red, it is possible that the robe was either a dark red with some purple mixed in or it may have had some parts that were dark red and some that were purple.
Cordially,
Jeff
Below is a more detailed explanation:
From: Jeff Cox <coxjg@yahoo.com>
Hello Archie (archie@clarksville.net),
You asked: "What was the color of Jesus' robe when He was crucified? Matthew 27:28 states scarlet. John 19:2 states purple. What did they both see different color's?
Response:
Matt. 27:28 says "And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe." (KJV) According to Vine's Expository dictionary, the word "scarlet" in Matthew is from the Greek term "kokkinos": "is derived from kokkos, used of the "berries" (clusters of the eggs of an insect) collected from the ilex coccifera; the color, however, is obtained from the cochineal insect, which attaches itself to the leaves and twigs of the coccifera oak; another species is raised on the leaves of the cactus ficus. The Arabic name for this insect is qirmiz, whence the word "crimson." It is used (a) of "scarlet" wool, Heb. 9:19; cp., in connection with the cleansing of a leper, Lev. 14:4,6, "scarlet;" with the offering of the red heifer, Num. 19:6; (b) of the robe put on Christ by the soldiers, Matt. 27:28; (c) of the "beast" seen in symbolic vision in Rev. 17:3, "scarlet;" (d) of the clothing of the "woman" as seen sitting on the "beast," Rev. 17:4; (e) of part of the merchandise of Babylon, Rev. 18:12; (f) figuratively, of the glory of the city itself, Rev. 18:16; the neuter is used in the last three instances."
John 19:2 says "And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,". (Mark 15:16, 20 also uses "purple".) According to Vine's, "purple" is from the Greek "porphureos": "purple, a reddish purple," is used of the robe put in mockery on Christ, John 19:2,5; in Rev. 17:4 (in the best texts; some have No. 1); 18:16, as a noun (with himation, "a garment," understood). The noun form of the word is "porphura":
originally denoted the "purplethen, "purple dye" (extracted
from certain shell fish): hence, "a purple garment," Mark 15:17,20;
Luke 16:19; Rev. 18:12.
>From reading various commentaries, there appear to be three
explanations offered: 1) the meaning of "porphureos" is wide enough to include reddish shades; and 2) there were two garments put upon him, the one a purple vest, and the other a scarlet robe over it; and 3) the garment was of mixed color. Based on Vine's definition, I suspect the first is most likely.