Lexical Summary chrusos: Gold Original Word: χρυσός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gold. Perhaps from the base of chraomai (through the idea of the utility of the metal); gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin -- gold. see GREEK chraomai HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5557 xrysós (a masculine noun) – gold, used also as a symbol of profound purchasing power ("potential acquisition"). See 5553 (xrysion). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition gold NASB Translation gold (9). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5557: χρυσόςχρυσός, χρυσοῦ, ὁ, from Homer down, Hebrew זָהָב, gold (ὁ ἐπί γῆς καί ὁ ὑπό γῆς, Plato, legg. 5, p. 728 a.): universally, Matthew 2:11; 1 Corinthians 3:12 (R G L (others χρυσίον, which see)); Revelation 9:7; equivalent to precious things made of gold, golden ornaments, Matthew 23:16; 1 Timothy 2:9 (here L WH text χρυσίον); James 5:3; Revelation 17:4 (L WH text χρυσίον); Topical Lexicon Material and Economic Value In Scripture, gold epitomizes concentrated wealth and enduring monetary worth. The Magi present “gold and frankincense and myrrh” to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11), recognizing His royal dignity with the most valuable gift then known. By contrast, the Twelve are sent out with the command, “Do not take along gold or silver or copper in your belts” (Matthew 10:9), a pointed reminder that Kingdom ministry is advanced by divine provision rather than earthly capital. James later rebukes hoarding believers: “Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will testify against you” (James 5:3). Possessing gold is never condemned; trusting in it is. Symbol of Divine Glory and Purity Throughout the canon, gold adorns what is holy: the lampstand, altar, and mercy seat in the tabernacle; Solomon’s temple interior; and ultimately the New Jerusalem whose “city was pure gold, as clear as glass” (Revelation 21:18). This association informs New Testament speech. Jesus indicts the Pharisees for exalting the gold of the temple above the temple itself: “You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?” (Matthew 23:17). Gold is valuable because God’s presence hallows it, not vice-versa. Likewise Paul lists “gold, silver, precious stones” among the enduring materials one may build upon the foundation of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:12); the image presumes gold’s resistance to the purging fire that will test every work. Warning against Materialism and Idolatry Acts 17:29 exposes the folly of idolatry: “We should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination.” The same metal that beautifies the sanctuary can become an idol when revered for its own sake (compare Exodus 32). Revelation 18:12 catalogs gold among the luxuries of Babylon destined for sudden ruin. Scripture therefore exhorts believers to steward wealth under Christ’s lordship, avoiding both ascetic rejection and idolatrous attachment. Refining as a Metaphor for Faith Gold’s capacity to be purified by intense heat makes it a ready metaphor for sanctification. Though the exact term χρυσός does not appear in 1 Peter 1:7, Peter references the “refining” of gold to illustrate how trials prove faith “more precious than gold that perishes.” The imagery intensifies the call to wholehearted trust: genuine faith, unlike the most prized metal, will survive divine scrutiny. Eschatological Imagery In Revelation 9:7 demonic locusts wear “something like crowns of gold,” a counterfeit splendor that contrasts sharply with the authentic, radiant crowns promised to the saints (Revelation 4:4; 2 Timothy 4:8). By portraying evil forces with ersatz golden crowns, the Apocalypse unmasks the deceptive glamour of rebellion and highlights the surpassing worth of the Lamb’s true glory. Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Stewardship: Church leaders must help believers convert temporal resources into eternal investment, echoing Christ’s counsel to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Summary Gold in Scripture spans royal tribute, temple adornment, and market commodity. It symbolizes divine glory when submitted to God and exposes human folly when exalted above Him. Ultimately, the Bible redirects the believer’s gaze from perishable riches to the imperishable inheritance kept in heaven, where streets—and hearts—will shine with a purity far surpassing the finest gold. Forms and Transliterations χρυσατορευτά χρυσον χρυσόν χρυσὸν χρυσος χρυσός χρυσὸς χρυσοτορευτά χρυσου χρυσού χρυσοῦ χρυσούς χρυσοχόον χρυσοχόος χρυσοχόων χρυσω χρυσώ χρυσῷ chruso chrusō chruson chrusos chrusou chryso chrysō chrysôi chrysō̂i chryson chrysón chrysòn chrysos chrysòs chrysou chrysoûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 2:11 N-AMSGRK: αὐτῷ δῶρα χρυσὸν καὶ λίβανον NAS: to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, KJV: gifts; gold, and INT: to him gifts gold and frankincense Matthew 10:9 N-AMS Matthew 23:16 N-DMS Matthew 23:17 N-NMS Matthew 23:17 N-AMS Acts 17:29 N-DMS 1 Corinthians 3:12 N-AMS James 5:3 N-NMS Revelation 9:7 N-DMS Revelation 18:12 N-GMS Strong's Greek 5557 |
    |