Amaranthine

Amaranthine (ἀμαράντινος, unfading), occurs in the original of 1Pe 5:4 (Auth. Vers. "that fadeth not away;" comp. ἀμάραντος, 1Pe 1:4, Auth. Vers. id.), where the apostle seems to allude to the fading sprig, or crown of laurel awarded to him who came off victorious in the Grecian games (q.v.). Hence the word AMARANTH, the name of a class of flowers, so called from their not speedily fading (see Milton, Par. Lost, 3, in med.). They have a rich color, but dry flowers. Prince's-feather and cock's-comb are examples of the natural order of Amaranthaceae, all the varieties of which are innocuous. To such unwithering garlands the apostle compares the Christian's crown of glory, won by faith and self-denial (1Co 9:25). SEE CROWN.