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G2063 · Greek · New Testament
Ἐρυθρός
erythros
Adjective
Red; Ruddy; The Red Sea

Definition

The Greek erythros (Strong's G2063) means 'red' or 'ruddy.' In the New Testament it appears exclusively in the phrase Erythra Thalassa — the Red Sea. It occurs twice: in Acts 7:36 (Stephen's speech) and Hebrews 11:29, both referring to Israel's miraculous crossing of the Red Sea under Moses. The word itself is an ethnic and geographical Greek designation with deep theological significance in Hebrew redemptive history.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Red Sea (Erythra Thalassa) is one of the defining events in Israel's — and humanity's — understanding of redemption. Stephen's speech in Acts 7 recounts it as part of Israel's salvation history; Hebrews 11 cites it as an act of faith — 'By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as if on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.' Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 calls the Red Sea crossing a 'baptism into Moses' — a typological foreshadowing of Christian baptism. The Red Sea stands as history's most dramatic demonstration that God's people pass through judgment unscathed while their enemies are consumed by the same waters. This is the gospel in geography.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 7:36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.
Hebrews 11:29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as if on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
Exodus 14:21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night.
1 Corinthians 10:2 And all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
Psalm 106:9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry, and he led them through the deep as through a desert.

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