### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun χρυσός (chrysós, `{{G5557}}`) primarily denotes "gold," a precious, yellow metallic element highly valued for its beauty, malleability, and resistance to corrosion. Its base definition extends to include objects made of gold, such as "golden articles," "ornaments," or "coins." The etymological suggestion from χράομαι (chráomai, to use, handle, employ) may subtly underscore its utility and inherent worth as a medium of exchange, a material for craftsmanship, or a symbol of status and wealth. Fundamentally, chrysós signifies material wealth and beauty, often serving as a benchmark for value and purity in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chrysós appears frequently in the New Testament, reflecting its multifaceted significance.
1. **Literal Wealth and Possessions:** It is often mentioned as a tangible form of wealth. The Magi brought "gold" as a gift to the infant Jesus ([[Matthew 2:11]]), signifying His kingship. Peter declares, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you" ([[Acts 3:6]]), highlighting the spiritual power he possessed over material riches. James condemns the rich who hoard "gold and silver" that will corrode and testify against them ([[James 5:3]]), underscoring the fleeting nature of earthly treasures.
2. **Adornment and Vanity:** The word is used in warnings against ostentatious display. Paul instructs women not to adorn themselves with "gold" or pearls or costly garments, but with good works ([[1 Timothy 2:9]]). Similarly, Peter exhorts women that their beauty should not come from outward adornment such as "gold" jewelry, but from the inner person ([[1 Peter 3:3]]). Here, chrysós symbolizes external, often superficial, beauty that can distract from true godliness.
3. **Figurative and Symbolic Use:** Chrysós takes on profound symbolic meaning, particularly in Revelation.
* **Divine Glory and Purity:** In the heavenly throne room, the twenty-four elders wear "golden" crowns ([[Revelation 4:4]]). The New Jerusalem is depicted as pure "gold," like clear glass ([[Revelation 21:18]]), with streets of pure "gold" ([[Revelation 21:21]]), signifying the unblemished perfection, purity, and immense value of God's eternal dwelling.
* **Refinement and Testing:** Peter likens faith to "gold" that is tested by fire, stating that genuine faith is "more precious than gold that perishes" ([[1 Peter 1:7]]). This metaphor emphasizes the purifying process of trials that reveal the enduring value of one's faith.
* **Idolatry and Corruption:** Babylon the Great, the harlot, is adorned with "gold," precious stones, and pearls, holding a "golden" cup full of abominations ([[Revelation 17:4]]). This imagery contrasts the superficial splendor of worldly power and idolatry with its inherent spiritual corruption, which ultimately leads to destruction ([[Revelation 18:12]], [[Revelation 18:16]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of chrysós is closely linked to several related terms and ideas within the biblical text:
* **Hebrew Equivalent:** The primary Old Testament word for "gold" is `{{H2091}}` (zahab), which carries similar literal and symbolic weight, appearing extensively in descriptions of the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings, royal wealth, and as a material for idols.
* **Other Precious Materials:** Often appearing alongside chrysós are ἄργυρος (argyros, silver, `{{G696}}`) and λίθος τίμιος (lithos timios, precious stone, `{{G3037}}` `{{G5093}}`), forming a triad of valuable commodities that represent earthly riches or divine splendor.
* **Wealth and Mammon:** The word is inherently connected to concepts of wealth (πλοῦτος, ploutos, `{{G4149}}`), riches, and the dangers of materialism, often contrasted with spiritual treasures.
* **Adornment and Beauty:** Chrysós is a prime example of external adornment (κόσμος, kosmos, `{{G2889}}`), which is often contrasted with inner beauty and spiritual character.
* **Purity and Refinement:** The imagery of "gold" refined by fire is a powerful metaphor for spiritual purification and the testing of faith, often paralleled with the concept of δοκίμιον (dokimion, a testing, proof, `{{G1383}}`).
* **Idolatry:** Gold, as a material for idols (e.g., the golden calf in the Old Testament), symbolizes the human tendency to worship created things rather than the Creator.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chrysós is profound and multifaceted. It serves as a powerful symbol for:
1. **Divine Majesty and Perfection:** In Revelation, chrysós is consistently used to describe the unblemished purity, immense value, and transcendent glory of God's heavenly dwelling and His divine attributes. It points to the ultimate standard of worth and beauty, which is God Himself.
2. **The Contrast Between Earthly and Heavenly Values:** The New Testament frequently employs chrysós to highlight the stark difference between the fleeting, corruptible nature of earthly wealth and the enduring, incorruptible nature of spiritual riches. Believers are called to seek heavenly treasures over material ones ([[Matthew 6:19-21]]).
3. **A Warning Against Materialism and Idolatry:** The pursuit of "gold" and material possessions for their own sake is consistently portrayed as a spiritual danger, leading to pride, covetousness, and a misplaced trust that rivals devotion to God. The adornment of the harlot Babylon with chrysós vividly illustrates the deceptive allure and ultimate emptiness of worldly power and idolatry.
4. **The Refinement of Faith:** The metaphor of gold refined by fire (e.g., [[1 Peter 1:7]]) is a cornerstone for understanding the purpose of trials and suffering in the believer's life. Just as impurities are removed from gold through heat, so too are believers purified and their faith strengthened through adversity, revealing its true, enduring, and precious nature.
### Summary
Chrysós (`{{G5557}}`) is a rich and versatile term in the New Testament, primarily denoting "gold" as a precious metal and objects made from it. Its usage extends from literal references to wealth and adornment to profound symbolic representations. On one hand, chrysós signifies divine glory, purity, and the inestimable value of God's heavenly kingdom, particularly in the book of Revelation. On the other hand, it serves as a potent symbol of earthly materialism, vanity, and the dangers of idolatry, cautioning believers against the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and external displays. Furthermore, chrysós metaphorically illustrates the refining process of faith through trials, emphasizing its enduring value over perishable earthly treasures. Ultimately, the biblical treatment of chrysós consistently elevates spiritual wealth and divine attributes above any material possession, calling believers to prioritize the eternal over the temporal.
TRV