Lexical Summary chrusoó: To gild, to overlay with gold, to adorn with gold. Original Word: χρυσόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance adorn, deckFrom chrusos; to gild, i.e. Bespangle with golden ornaments -- deck. see GREEK chrusos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chrusos Definition to gild, to cover with gold NASB Translation adorned (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5558: χρυσόωχρυσόω, χρυσῷ: perfect passive participle κεχρυσωμενος; to adorn with gold, to gild: κεχρυσωμένη χρυσῷ (A. V. "decked with gold)"], Revelation 17:4; and ἐν (G L Tr omit; WH brackets ἐν) χρυσῷ, Topical Lexicon Meaning and Thematic Significance The verb rendered “gild, overlay with gold, adorn with gold” is reserved in the New Testament for the climactic vision of Babylon the Great (Revelation 17:4; 18:16). It expresses more than the mere presence of gold; it portrays a deliberate surface–deep shine that masks internal corruption. Scripture repeatedly juxtaposes the brilliance of gold with the danger of trusting in outward splendor (for example, Proverbs 11:22; 1 Peter 3:3–4). By employing this rare term, the Apocalypse unmasks a counterfeit glory that competes with the Lamb’s true glory. Occurrences in Scripture Revelation 17:4 – “The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls…” Revelation 18:16 – “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls!” Both passages stand in parallel—the first announcing her seductive appearance, the second lamenting her downfall. The verb depicts an intentional covering; what dazzles the nations is only a thin veneer. Old Testament Background Gold overlay characterized holy space. The ark, mercy seat, lampstand, and even the interior boards of the tabernacle were “overlaid with pure gold” (Exodus 25:11, 24, 29; 26:29). Solomon’s temple continued this practice (1 Kings 6:20–22). There, gilding signified that God’s dwelling was incomparable in majesty and purity. Revelation appropriates the same imagery but transfers it to an utterly unholy city, underscoring a satanic parody of true worship. The term evokes the splendor of Zion yet exposes Babylon’s fraudulent claim to divine grandeur. Symbolism of Gold in Biblical Theology Gold evokes purity, value, and permanence (Job 23:10; 1 Peter 1:7). When righteousness dwells within, external gold reinforces glory; when sin rules within, the same gold accentuates hypocrisy. Isaiah condemned those who trusted in their “idols of silver and idols of gold” (Isaiah 31:7). Likewise the Apocalypse shows Babylon’s merchants bewailing the loss of gold (Revelation 18:12). The gilding verb highlights a society encrusted with luxury but devoid of holiness. Contrast Between External Adornment and Inner Reality The Spirit-inspired contrast is sharp: • Babylon the Great – gilded, luxurious, intoxicating, yet “full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality” (Revelation 17:4). The first is self-adorned with corrupt riches; the second is graced with righteousness provided by God. Ministry that learns this distinction will prize inward holiness above glittering appearances. Historical Context: Gilding in the Ancient World First-century Rome routinely sheathed temple images, architectural friezes, and luxury vessels in thin gold leaf. Such overlay impressed pilgrims and reinforced imperial propaganda. Citizens of Asia Minor, to whom Revelation was sent, saw gilded statues of the emperor and of Artemis. Thus the seer’s language would have landed forcefully: what seems permanent is only foil before the Judge of all the earth. Eschatological Implications Babylon’s gilding delays but cannot prevent judgment. When the seventh bowl is poured out, “God has remembered Babylon the Great and given her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of His wrath” (Revelation 16:19). The verb’s perfect participle (kechrysōmenē) depicts a past action with ongoing result—she remains gilded right up to her sudden ruin. Outward glitter will not shield any culture or individual from the day “each one’s work will be shown for what it is” (1 Corinthians 3:13). Application to Christian Ministry 1. Discernment: Leaders must identify religious or cultural systems that parade opulence yet oppose Christ. Related Biblical Passages Exodus 25–26; 1 Kings 6:20–22 – holy gilding for the tabernacle and temple Psalm 45:13 – the royal bride “in robes embroidered with gold” Proverbs 11:22 – gold ring hiding moral ugliness Isaiah 13:19; Jeremiah 51:7 – prophetic roots of Babylon imagery 1 Peter 3:3–4 – inner beauty over external adornment Gold, when divinely directed, proclaims majesty; when self-directed, it proclaims vanity. The verb translated “gilded” thus serves as a subtle yet potent theological lens through which Babylon’s glamor and doom are simultaneously displayed, warning every generation to pursue glory that endures. Forms and Transliterations εχρύσωσε εχρύσωσεν κεχρυσωμενη κεχρυσωμένη κεχρυσωμένων χρυσώσεις kechrusomene kechrusōmenē kechrysomene kechrysoméne kechrysōmenē kechrysōménēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 17:4 V-RPM/P-NFSGRK: κόκκινον καὶ κεχρυσωμένη χρυσίῳ καὶ NAS: and scarlet, and adorned with gold KJV: and decked with gold INT: scarlet and adorned with gold and Revelation 18:16 V-RPM/P-NFS |
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