### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term χρυσίον (chrysíon, `{{G5553}}`) is a diminutive form derived from χρυσός (chrysos, `{{G5557}}`), which denotes "gold" as the raw metal. As a diminutive, χρυσίον typically refers to a "small piece of gold" or, more commonly, a "golden article." Its semantic range encompasses various manifestations of gold in use:
* **Gold plating or overlay:** Gold applied to a surface.
* **Gold ornament or jewelry:** Items crafted from gold for adornment.
* **Gold coin or currency:** Gold functioning as a medium of exchange or a valuable possession.
This lemma emphasizes gold not merely as an elemental substance but as something refined, crafted, possessed, or utilized.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term χρυσίον appears in several significant New Testament contexts, offering insights into its practical and symbolic uses:
* **As a Valuable Gift:** In the narrative of the Magi, χρυσίον is presented alongside frankincense and myrrh as a precious gift for the infant Jesus, acknowledging His kingship and divine worth ([[Matthew 2:11]]). Here, it likely refers to gold in the form of coins or valuable artifacts.
* **As Earthly Wealth/Currency:** Peter's declaration, "Silver and gold I do not have," highlights his lack of material resources for the lame man, contrasting it with the spiritual power he possesses ([[Acts 3:6]]). Similarly, Paul's assertion that he did not covet anyone's "silver or gold" underscores his selfless ministry and detachment from material gain ([[Acts 20:33]]). In these instances, χρυσίον functions as a symbol of monetary wealth.
* **Contrasted with Enduring Faith:** Peter employs χρυσίον to illustrate the superior value of tested faith. He states that "the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire," will result in praise, glory, and honor ([[1 Peter 1:7]]). This verse powerfully contrasts the perishable nature of even the most precious earthly commodity with the eternal and purifying quality of genuine faith.
* **As Outward Adornment:** In a passage addressing the adornment of women, Peter advises against an emphasis on "outward adornment—arranging the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on fine apparel" ([[1 Peter 3:3]]). Here, χρυσίον specifically denotes gold ornaments or jewelry, which are contrasted with the "imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" ([[1 Peter 3:4]]).
* **Symbolic of Spiritual Riches and Purity:** In the book of Revelation, χρυσίον is used both literally and metaphorically. The church in Laodicea is admonished to "buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich" ([[Revelation 3:18]]), symbolizing true spiritual wealth and purity derived from Christ, in contrast to their self-perceived but illusory material wealth. Later, in descriptions of the fallen Babylon, χρυσίον is listed among her luxurious merchandise and adornments, signifying earthly extravagance and idolatry ([[Revelation 18:12, 16]]). Most profoundly, in the depiction of the New Jerusalem, the city's wall is adorned with precious stones, and the city itself is "pure gold, like clear glass," with its street also being "pure gold, like transparent glass" ([[Revelation 21:18, 21]]). Here, χρυσίον transcends its earthly value, becoming a symbol of ultimate divine purity, glory, and the incorruptible nature of the heavenly realm.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of χρυσίον is enhanced by its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* χρυσός (chrysos, `{{G5557}}`): The base word for "gold," often used interchangeably with χρυσίον but potentially emphasizing the raw metal rather than an article.
* ἀργύριον (argyraion, `{{G694}}`): "Silver," frequently paired with gold to denote wealth or currency, as seen in Peter's declaration in [[Acts 3:6]].
* πλοῦτος (ploutos, `{{G4149}}`): "Wealth" or "riches." Gold is a primary manifestation of material wealth, often contrasted with spiritual riches.
* τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`): "Value," "honor," or "price." The concept of faith being "more precious" than gold ([[1 Peter 1:7]]) highlights a comparative value.
* κόσμος (kosmos, `{{G2889}}`): "Adornment" or "order." In [[1 Peter 3:3]], χρυσίον falls under the category of outward adornment.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The Hebrew word זָהָב (zahab, `{{H2091}}`) for "gold" is extensively used in the Old Testament, particularly in descriptions of the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings, royal wealth, and as a medium for idolatry (e.g., the Golden Calf). This rich Old Testament background informs the New Testament's nuanced view of gold as both a valuable commodity and a potential snare.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of χρυσίον is multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Worth:** The presentation of gold to Christ at His birth ([[Matthew 2:11]]) signifies His royal status and inherent worth, acknowledging Him as King.
* **The Transience of Material Wealth:** A central theme is the perishable nature of χρυσίον in contrast to the enduring value of spiritual realities. Faith, refined by trials, is deemed far more precious than gold that perishes ([[1 Peter 1:7]]). This underscores a reorientation of values from the material to the spiritual.
* **Inner Beauty vs. Outward Display:** The admonition against excessive "gold jewelry" ([[1 Peter 3:3]]) serves as a call for Christians, particularly women, to prioritize the cultivation of inner character—a "gentle and quiet spirit"—over external show. This is not a condemnation of gold itself, but a reordering of priorities that challenges worldly vanity.
* **Symbol of Purity and Glory:** In the climactic visions of the New Jerusalem, χρυσίον becomes a powerful symbol of divine purity, incorruptibility, and ultimate glory ([[Revelation 21:18, 21]]). The "pure gold, like clear glass," transcends earthly gold, representing a state of perfection and the very presence of God in the eternal city.
* **Spiritual Riches:** The metaphorical "gold refined in the fire" ([[Revelation 3:18]]) represents genuine spiritual wealth, wisdom, and character that withstand divine scrutiny, a stark contrast to the superficiality of worldly riches.
### Summary
The Greek word χρυσίον (chrysíon, `{{G5553}}`), a diminutive of χρυσός, refers to "gold" in its crafted or applied forms, encompassing gold articles, currency, or adornments. Its biblical usage highlights its role as a valuable gift ([[Matthew 2:11]]), a measure of earthly wealth ([[Acts 3:6]], [[Acts 20:33]]), and an item of outward display ([[1 Peter 3:3]]). Theologically, χρυσίον serves as a potent symbol. It is consistently juxtaposed with the eternal value of faith and spiritual riches ([[1 Peter 1:7]], [[Revelation 3:18]]), emphasizing the New Testament's call to prioritize inward transformation over external appearance. Ultimately, in the visionary descriptions of the New Jerusalem, χrysíon transcends its earthly value, becoming a profound symbol of divine purity, glory, and the incorruptible nature of God's eternal dwelling ([[Revelation 21:18, 21]]), underscoring the transient nature of earthly possessions in light of eternal realities.
TRV