### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G3585 (ξύλινος, *xýlinos*) directly translates to "wooden" or "made of wood." Its etymology traces back to G3586 (ξύλον, *xylon*), which can mean "wood," "timber," "a tree," or even "a cross." Thus, xýlinos describes the material composition of an object, indicating that it is fashioned from the substance of a tree. Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily functioning as a descriptor of physical material. While its core meaning is literal, the contexts in which it appears often imbue it with deeper symbolic or theological significance, particularly when contrasted with other materials.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term xýlinos appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering distinct contextual insights:
1. **[[2 Timothy 2:20]]**: "Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable."
Here, xýlinos vessels are contrasted with those of gold and silver, and grouped with clay vessels. This passage uses the metaphor of household vessels to illustrate the diverse nature of individuals within the Church. Wooden vessels, by their nature, are common, less valuable, and typically used for ordinary or even ignoble purposes compared to precious metals. The emphasis is not on the inherent worth of the material, but on the vessel's utility and the Master's purification and sanctification of it for "noble use" (v. 21). The xýlinos vessel, though humble, can become a vessel of honor through cleansing and dedication.
2. **[[Revelation 9:20]]**: "The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood."
In this apocalyptic vision, xýlinos is listed among the materials used to construct idols. The inclusion of "wood" alongside gold, silver, bronze, and stone underscores the futility and vanity of idolatry. These man-made objects, regardless of their material, are lifeless and powerless, incapable of hearing, seeing, or walking. The xýlinos idol, being easily carved from common material, highlights the human fabrication and inherent weakness of false gods, contrasting sharply with the living God.
3. **[[Revelation 18:12]]**: "merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of ivory articles, all kinds of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble."
This verse describes the vast array of luxurious merchandise traded by "Babylon the Great." Xýlinos appears twice here: "scented wood" (πᾶν ξύλον θύϊνον, *pan xylon thyinon*) and "costly wood" (πᾶν ξύλον ξύλινον, *pan xylon xýlinon*). The latter phrase, literally "every wooden wood" or "every kind of wooden article," emphasizes the breadth of wooden goods, from mundane to exotic and valuable. While "wood" here signifies a commodity, its ultimate inclusion in the list of goods that will be destroyed with Babylon points to the transient and perishable nature of worldly wealth and human achievement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant related word is G3586 (ξύλον, *xylon*), the noun from which xýlinos is derived. Xylon encompasses a broader semantic field, referring to a tree, timber, a piece of wood, a club, or notably, the cross (e.g., [[Acts 5:30]], [[Galatians 3:13]]). Xýlinos specifically denotes the adjectival quality of being "made of xylon."
Other related concepts include:
* **Materials**: The biblical texts frequently contrast xýlinos with more precious or durable materials like gold (G5557), silver (G694), bronze (G5470), stone (G3037), and clay (G3749). This contrast often serves to highlight differences in value, durability, or spiritual significance.
* **Idolatry**: The use of wood in crafting idols (e.g., [[Isaiah 44:9-20]] in the Old Testament, echoed in [[Revelation 9:20]]) underscores the human effort and inherent lifelessness of false worship.
* **Vessels/Utensils**: In the context of [[2 Timothy 2:20]], xýlinos is associated with common household items, leading to a metaphor about the diverse roles and spiritual states of believers.
* **Worldly Commerce/Luxury**: [[Revelation 18:12]] places xýlinos goods within a catalogue of opulent trade, symbolizing the transient nature of earthly prosperity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of xýlinos is most profoundly seen in [[2 Timothy 2:20-21]]. Here, the "wooden vessel" serves as a powerful metaphor for a believer who, though perhaps not outwardly glorious or inherently "precious" in a worldly sense, can be purified and set apart by God for "noble use." This teaches humility, the sovereignty of God in choosing and sanctifying His people, and the importance of personal holiness ("cleanse himself from what is dishonorable"). It underscores that spiritual value is not determined by inherent worldly status or appearance, but by one's dedication and purification for the Master's service.
In [[Revelation 9:20]], the xýlinos idol embodies the spiritual blindness and stubborn impenitence of humanity. The very material, wood, signifies its earthly origin and utter lack of divine power, emphasizing the folly of worshiping the created rather than the Creator. This reinforces the biblical condemnation of idolatry as a grave offense against God and a sign of spiritual deception.
Finally, in [[Revelation 18:12]], xýlinos articles, as part of Babylon's vast merchandise, represent the material wealth and transient nature of the world system opposed to God. Their inclusion in the list of items whose trade will cease signifies the ultimate destruction and worthlessness of all that is built on human pride and apart from divine truth.
### Summary
The Greek word G3585 (ξύλινος, *xýlinos*), meaning "wooden" or "made of wood," serves as a simple material descriptor that carries profound theological weight in its New Testament occurrences. Derived from G3586 (ξύλον), it consistently points to objects of human manufacture or common origin. In [[2 Timothy 2:20]], it metaphorically illustrates the humble yet sanctifiable nature of believers within God's household. In [[Revelation 9:20]], xýlinos idols symbolize the lifelessness and futility of false worship. Lastly, in [[Revelation 18:12]], xýlinos commodities contribute to the portrayal of the transient and ultimately doomed nature of worldly wealth. Across these contexts, xýlinos consistently highlights themes of human commonality, the vanity of idolatry, and the perishability of earthly possessions, all while underscoring God's capacity to use and judge all things according to His divine purpose.
TRV