Lexical Summary arguros: Silver Original Word: ἄργυρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance silver. From argos (shining); silver (the metal, in the articles or coin) -- silver. HELPS Word-studies 696 árgyros – properly, silver (i.e. money); what has real value for purchasing power. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom argos (shining) Definition silver NASB Translation silver (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 696: ἄργυροςἄργυρος, ἀργύρου, ὁ (ἀργός shining) (from Homer down), silver: 1 Corinthians 3:12 (T Tr WH ἀργύριον) (reference is made to the silver with which the columns of noble buildings were covered and the rafters adorned); by metonymy, things made of silver, silver-work, vessels, images of the gods, etc.: Acts 17:29; James 5:3; Revelation 18:12. silver coin: Matthew 10:9. Topical Lexicon Topical Overview The word ἄργυρος (silver) appears five times in the Greek New Testament, each use highlighting a distinct spiritual lesson about wealth, worship, and eternal values. Silver and Idolatry (Acts 17:29) When Paul addresses the philosophers on the Areopagus, he contrasts the living God with lifeless idols made of “gold or silver or stone.” The preciousness of silver could not impart life to an image, underscoring that human craftsmanship, no matter how costly the material, can never capture the glory of God. The verse exposes the futility of idolatry and calls believers to worship the Creator, not the works of their own hands. Silver and Apostolic Mission (Matthew 10:9) In commissioning the Twelve, Jesus commands, “Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts.” Reliance on silver as travel security was to be replaced by reliance on divine provision through hospitable believers. This instruction reminds the Church that gospel ministry must never be driven by financial self-interest; dependence on God and the generosity of the faithful safeguard the purity of mission. Silver and Ministry Quality (1 Corinthians 3:12) Paul lists “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw” as potential building materials on the foundation of Christ. Silver represents durable, honorable ministry work that can withstand divine testing by fire. The imagery teaches that faithful doctrine and sacrificial service have lasting worth, whereas superficial or self-serving labor will be consumed. Ministers are urged to evaluate their motives and methods in light of the coming judgment seat of Christ. Silver and Eschatological Warning (James 5:3; Revelation 18:12) James indicts the wicked rich: “Your gold and silver have corroded… You have hoarded treasure in the last days.” Hoarded silver becomes evidence in God’s courtroom, testifying against greedy hearts. Similarly, the fall of commercial Babylon is marked by the loss of luxury cargo, including “gold, silver, precious stones and pearls” (Revelation 18:12). In both passages silver symbolizes temporal wealth destined for ruin, contrasting sharply with the imperishable inheritance kept in heaven for the saints. Historical and Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world silver functioned as currency, jewelry, and temple ornamentation. Mines in Spain, Macedonia, and Asia Minor fed imperial mints that produced denarii and drachmae. Because of its luster, silver was also associated with lunar deities and was a favored medium for idols. Biblical writers leverage this cultural esteem to confront misplaced trust in material wealth and false religion. Old Testament Foundations Silver permeates the Hebrew Scriptures: These antecedents frame New Testament usage by linking silver to redemption, purification, and the tragic misuse of holy things. Symbolic Themes 1. Value and Permanence: Silver’s intrinsic worth illustrates enduring spiritual investments. Practical Ministry Applications • Stewardship: Believers steward financial resources for kingdom impact, not personal hoarding. Conclusion Silver, esteemed for its beauty and economic power, serves Scripture as a rich metaphor: a reminder that only what is founded on Christ and purified by divine fire will endure. All who possess or pursue silver must do so under the lordship of the One whose wisdom is “better than silver” (Proverbs 8:19). Forms and Transliterations αργυρίω αργυρον άργυρον ἄργυρον αργυρος άργυρος ἄργυρος αργυρου αργύρου ἀργύρου αργυρω αργύρω ἀργύρῳ αργυρώνητοι αργυρώνητον αργυρώνητος αργυρωνήτους άρδην arguro argurō arguron arguros argurou argyro argyrō argýroi argýrōi argyron árgyron argyros árgyros argyrou argýrouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 10:9 N-AMSGRK: χρυσὸν μηδὲ ἄργυρον μηδὲ χαλκὸν NAS: or silver, or KJV: gold, nor silver, nor brass INT: gold nor silver nor money Acts 17:29 N-DMS 1 Corinthians 3:12 N-ANS James 5:3 N-NMS Revelation 18:12 N-GMS Strong's Greek 696 |
    |