Brief Overview of ἄργυρος (G696: argýros)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: argýros

Root Words:

• The term ἄργυρος is the Greek word for “silver.” It does not have additional root words as it stands as a fundamental term in itself.

Primary Meanings:

• Silver (Metal): The primary meaning of ἄργυρος is “silver” as a metal. It refers to the precious metal used for various purposes, including currency, jewelry, and household items.
• Money: It is often used metonymically to denote money or currency, given that silver was historically used to mint coins.
• Value: In some contexts, it can represent value or wealth derived from silver.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄργυρος as “silver” and provides a broad range of its uses, from the metal itself to its representation of money and value. It notes that the term appears in various contexts, including financial transactions and symbolic uses.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἄργυρος primarily as “silver,” highlighting its role in ancient commerce and its symbolic representation of wealth and value.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary confirms that ἄργυρος means “silver” and discusses its use in monetary contexts and as a symbol of wealth.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄργυρος as “silver,” emphasizing its physical properties and its importance in trade and economy.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἄργυρος as “silver,” used to refer to the metal itself and, by extension, to money.

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Bible Verses:

• 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, ἄργυρος is used to denote silver as money, specifically the thirty pieces paid for the betrayal of Jesus.
• James 5:3 (KJV): “Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rest of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire.”
• In this verse, ἄργυρος is used metaphorically to describe the decay and corruption of wealth.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἄργυρος is used to denote the metal and its various applications:

• Homer: Refers to silver as a valuable material used in jewelry and weapons.
• Herodotus: Mentions silver in the context of trade and economics, emphasizing its role in ancient financial systems.
• Plato: Includes silver in discussions of its value and symbolic meaning in various dialogues.

4. Summary:

The Greek term ἄργυρος (G696: argýros) translates to “silver” and encompasses meanings related to the metal itself, money, and value. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ provide consistent definitions highlighting its use as both a physical substance and a symbol of wealth. Biblical passages illustrate its role in monetary contexts and symbolic uses, while classic Greek literature provides historical examples of its significance in trade and value.