The Hebrew/Aramaic word argevan (אַרְגְּוָן) refers to the color purple or purple cloth. It is closely related to argaman (H713). Purple dye in the ancient world was extraordinarily expensive, extracted from murex sea snails, making purple cloth the fabric of royalty, wealth, and sacred service.
Purple — argevan — is the color of royalty and divine service throughout Scripture. The tabernacle and temple were adorned with purple. The high priest's vestments included purple. The Roman soldiers mockingly dressed Jesus in purple — unknowingly affirming His true identity as the King of kings. The Proverbs 31 woman's household wears purple. In Revelation, Babylon the prostitute wears purple — a corruption of the royal dignity intended for God's people. Purple in Scripture always points toward kingship.