neuter of a compound of χαλκός and λίβανος (in the implied mean of whiteness or brilliancy); burnished copper, an alloy of copper (or gold) and silver having a brilliant lustre:--fine brass.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **chalkolíbanon**, represented by `{{G5474}}`, refers to **fine brass**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term describes burnished copper or an alloy with a brilliant lustre, used to convey an image of immense heat and purity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{G5474}}` are found in the book of Revelation and are used to describe the feet of the Son of God. In his message to the church in Thyatira, his **feet** are said to be "like **fine brass**" [[Revelation 2:18]]. A more detailed description is given earlier, where his **feet** are "like unto **fine brass**, as if they burned in a furnace" [[Revelation 1:15]]. This imagery connects the substance directly to a process of intense refinement and a glowing, fiery appearance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words enhance the meaning of **fine brass** in its context:
* `{{G4228}}` **poús** (a "foot"): This is the part of the body described as being like **fine brass** in both of its scriptural appearances ([[Revelation 1:15]], [[Revelation 2:18]]).
* `{{G4448}}` **pyróō** (to be ignited, glow, be refined): This verb directly modifies the **fine brass**, describing it as something that has been refined and made to glow, as if it "burned" in the furnace [[Revelation 1:15]].
* `{{G2575}}` **káminos** (a furnace): This word provides the context for the refinement of the **fine brass**, linking it to a place of extreme heat and purification [[Revelation 1:15]].
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** ("fire"): This is the element associated with the furnace and the brilliant appearance of the Son of God, whose eyes are described as a "flame of **fire**" in the same passage [[Revelation 2:18]].
* `{{G5395}}` **phlóx** (a blaze): In the vision, the Lord's eyes are like a "**flame** of fire," complementing the image of his feet being like glowing **fine brass** [[Revelation 2:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5474}}` is concentrated in its descriptive power within the vision of Christ:
* **Purity and Refinement:** The image of **fine brass** that "burned in a furnace" [[Revelation 1:15]] symbolizes a state of perfect purity and tested strength, having endured intense **fire** `{{G4442}}`.
* **Authority and Judgment:** Feet `{{G4228}}` are instruments of movement and trampling. Describing them as brilliant, glowing metal suggests the awesome and immovable authority of the Son of God, prepared for judgment.
* **Divine Glory:** The definition of **chalkolíbanon** includes having a "brilliant lustre." This characteristic contributes to the overall depiction of divine majesty and the glorious appearance of the resurrected Christ in Revelation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5474}}` is a rare but vivid term used exclusively in Revelation to describe the glorified Son of God. Though it simply means **fine brass**, its context of being refined in a **furnace** `{{G2575}}` gives it profound significance. It powerfully communicates the themes of divine purity, unstoppable authority, and the brilliant glory of a figure who is both judge and savior.
TRV