ἶρις
îris
G2463 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A visible atmospheric phenomenon characterized by the multi-colored arc known as a rainbow; in broader Greek literature, also used to denote the goddess Iris, considered the personification of the rainbow and a divine messenger. In the New Testament context, exclusively refers to the natural phenomenon of the rainbow, without mythological connotations. The term denotes the arch of colors caused by refraction and reflection of sunlight in moisture-laden air, or, by metaphorical extension, any similar circular display of colors (as in certain descriptions in Hellenistic or poetic sources).
Semantic Range
rainbow (natural phenomenon), rainbow-like or multicolored arc or halo, personification as the goddess Iris in Greek mythology
Root / Etymology
From classical Greek ἶρις (iris), originally 'rainbow,' also the name of the mythological goddess Iris. Root is ἰρ-, with no certain Indo-European cognates. The suggested connection to ἐρέω ('to speak, declare') is not widely supported; etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Earliest attested in Homer, ἶρις primarily meant 'rainbow,' and simultaneously was the name for the female messenger of the gods (the personification of the rainbow, Iris). In Classical and Hellenistic literature, both senses (natural phenomenon and mythological figure) coexisted, sometimes overlapping. In the Septuagint (e.g., Ezekiel 1:28) and New Testament (notably Revelation 4:3, 10:1), ἶρις refers unambiguously to the visible rainbow—frequently as a radiant arch or halo, sometimes as a symbol of covenant or majesty but lacking any explicit mythological or personified features. English translations usually render ἶρις as 'rainbow,' which accurately depicts the word's meaning in biblical usage, though it can obscure its mythological associations in other Greek contexts. The term reinforces the difference with the Hebrew קֶשֶׁת (qešeth), which also means 'bow' (as a weapon) as well as 'rainbow,' whereas ἶρις is restricted to the atmospheric phenomenon or divine personification. In post-classical Greek and scientific usage, 'iris' acquired additional meanings (e.g., the colored part of the eye), but this is post-biblical. The semantic range in Koine is focused on the atmospheric rainbow; personification is absent in Jewish and early Christian documents. The mythological sense is present in other Greek texts but not in the canonized literature of this period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from ἐρέω (as a symbol of the female messenger of the pagan deities); a rainbow ("iris"):--rainbow.
Root Family
ἰρ- (îris) — rainbow, arc of colors
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2463-01 |
ἶρις | iris | N NOM F SG |
a rainbow | rainbow | rainbow | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2463-01 |
Revelation 4:3 | ἶρις | iris | N NOM F SG |
a rainbow | rainbow | rainbow |
G2463-01 |
Revelation 10:1 | ἶρις | iris | N NOM F SG |
rainbow | rainbow | rainbow |