[Greek] βύσσος (byssos): linen, cloth, sea silk, fine linen; Lk.16:19, Rev.18:12
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus: painting by Jan Steen (1677)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means fine linen, bleached linen, flax, and sea silk. This sea silk is a filament secreted by a Mediterranean mollusk. Strabo’s Geography 15.1.20 states “Their fine clothes were made from this wool. The cloth of silk are of a similar kind, and are made of dry byssos, which is obtained from sort of bark of plants.” Procopius states “Primary among these is a cloth (chlamys) made of wool, not produced by sheep, but gathered from the sea.” Euripides’ Bacchae 815 states “But they will track you down, even if they go in secret. Put linen cloths over your body. Lest they kill you if you are seen as a woman.” Aeschylus’ Supplicant Woman 117 states “And many times I lay my hands upon my Sidonian veil and tear its linen fabric to shreds.”
Byssinos: This related term, used as a noun and adjective, means fine linen or made of fine linen. The Greek civilization flourished in part due to its nautical sea trading and commerce. Merchants and travelers engaged in the trade of linen spices, dyes, livestock and other commodities. The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West.
Old Testament: This means fine linen, something bleached, linen, white, and marble. He made the veil of violet, purple, crimson and fine linen, and he worked cherubim on it (2Chr.3:14). There were hangings of fine white and violet linen held by cords of fine linen (Est.1:6). Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white (Est.8:15). She makes linen garments and sells them (Prov.31:24). Then I will give you thirty linen wraps and thirty changes of clothes (Jdg.14:12). Couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and precious stones (Est.1:6).
New Testament: This term means fine linen. These examples are used in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus and the fall of Babylon. Luke points out the reversal of fates for both the rich man and Lazarus. The poor man is taken up by angels to Abraham, while the rich man experiences torment in the netherworld. Revelations states that the merchants of the earth will weep for the fall of Babylon (Rome). These merchants lament that that there will be no more markets for their cargo (fine linen, purple silk, and scarlet cloth).
Scripture:
“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day.” Lk.16:19
This references the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The reversal of fortunes illustrates Jesus’ views toward wealth and power.
Conclusion:
Business, busy
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover that sea silk secreted by a mollusk provides the raw materials needed to produce linen. I also never knew that tree bark can also provide a source for producing linen. It goes without saying that linen was an important wardrobe resource for the characters on the Greek stage.
In the Old Testament, merchants often sold and traded various commodities such as linen. Rich and influential persons often wore fine white and colored linen. Byssinosis is an occupation related respiratory disease associated with the inhalation of cotton, flax, or hemp dust.
Update: The Coronavirus pandemic has caused great uncertainty and upheaval in the economy relating to many corporations, businesses, and livelihoods. The govt (federal, state, and local) can and will play important roles in dealing with this crisis. But the government cannot do it all. Now corporations and businesses (getting out of their comfort zone) are stepping up and producing needed products and devices to help combat this crisis. Many corporations and businesses (including a pillow company with fine linen products) are helping out in getting our nation back to business.
As to the business at hand, this post is finished.