Brief Overview of ἀργύριον (G694: argýrion)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: argýrion

Root Words:

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• The term ἀργύριον (argýrion) is derived from ἀργύρος (argýros), meaning “silver.” It is a diminutive form, denoting something small or of lesser value related to silver.

Primary Meanings:

• Silver Coin: The primary meaning of ἀργύριον is “silver coin,” referring to money or coins made from silver.
• Money: It is often used more generally to refer to money, especially in contexts where silver coins are implied.
• Silver Object: Less commonly, it can refer to small silver objects or items made from silver.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀργύριον as “a silver coin,” used predominantly to refer to currency made from silver. It is a diminutive form related to ἀργύρος (argýros) and is often used in contexts where the value of silver as currency is emphasized.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀργύριον as “a small silver coin” or “money,” emphasizing its use as currency. It highlights its role in transactions and monetary contexts.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary states that ἀργύριον refers to “a silver coin,” often used to denote money in the form of silver coins. It underscores its practical use in trade and commerce.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀργύριον as “silver coin,” noting its specific use in classical Greek to denote coins made from silver. It also acknowledges its broader use as a term for money.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀργύριον as “silver,” particularly referring to silver coins or money.

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 17:27 (KJV): “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.”
• In this verse, ἀργύριον is used to refer to a “piece of money,” highlighting its function as currency.
• Matthew 26:15 (KJV): “And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.”
• Here, ἀργύριον is used to describe the “pieces of silver” agreed upon for betraying Jesus, emphasizing its role as money.
• Luke 15:8 (KJV): “Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?”
• ἀργύριον refers to “pieces of silver,” used in the context of the parable to denote currency.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἀργύριον is used to refer to silver coins or money:

• Xenophon: Refers to silver coins in discussions about economics and trade.
• Aristotle: Mentions ἀργύριον in his works on politics and economics, discussing its use as currency.
• Plato: Uses the term in dialogues concerning the value of money and its role in society.

4. Summary:

The Greek term ἀργύριον (G694: argýrion) primarily means “silver coin” or “money,” derived from ἀργύρος (argýros) meaning “silver.” Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all agree on its primary use to denote silver coins or money. Biblical references illustrate its role in transactions and monetary contexts, while classic Greek literature highlights its importance in trade and economics.