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G3022 · Greek · New Testament
λευκός
leukos
Adjective
white, bright, gleaming

Definition

Leukos means white or bright — appearing 25 times in the NT, predominantly in Revelation where it is the dominant color of the divine realm: white throne, white garments, white horse, white stone. In the ancient world, white was the color of purity, holiness, victory, and divine glory.

Usage & Theological Significance

Revelation uses leukos systematically to describe eschatological realities: the Ancient of Days has white hair (1:14), the risen Christ rides a white horse (19:11), overcomers receive white garments and a white stone (2:17, 3:5), the martyrs wear white robes (6:11), and the final judgment occurs before a great white throne (20:11). This saturation of white in the last book of the Bible creates a chromatic theology of the age to come. On earth, Jesus's transfiguration clothing becomes leukos (Matthew 17:2) as a preview of resurrection glory. The disciples see two men in white at the ascension (Acts 1:10) and the women see a white-clad angel at the resurrection (Matthew 28:3) — white marking every transition between earthly and heavenly reality.

Key Bible Verses

Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white [leukos] throne and him who was seated on it.
Matthew 17:2 His clothes became as white [leukos] as the light.
Revelation 7:9 A great multitude... standing before the throne, wearing white [leukos] robes.
John 4:35 Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe [leukos] for harvest.
Revelation 2:17 I will also give that person a white [leukos] stone with a new name written on it.

Related Words

External Resources

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