Scarlet - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Scarlet
[ 1,,G2847, kokkinos ]is derived from kokkos, used of the berries" (clusters of the eggs of an insect) collected from the ilex coccifera; the color, however, is obtained from the cochineal insect, which attaches itself to the leaves and twigs of the coccifera oak; another species is raised on the leaves of the cactus ficus. The Arabic name for this insect is qirmiz, whence the word "crimson." It is used
(a) of "scarlet" wool, Hebrews 9:19; cp., in connection with the cleansing of a leper, Leviticus 14:4, Leviticus 14:6, "scarlet;" with the offering of the red heifer, Numbers 19:6;
(b) of the robe put on Christ by the soldiers, Matthew 27:28;
(c) of the "beast" seen in symbolic vision in Revelation 17:3, "scarlet-colored;"
(d) of the clothing of the "woman" as seen sitting on the "beast," Revelation 17:4;
(e) of part of the merchandise of Babylon, Revelation 18:12;
(f) figuratively, of the glory of the city itself, Revelation 18:16; the neuter is used in the last three instances.