Brief Overview of ἀργυροκόπος (G695: argyrokópos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: argyrokópos

Root Words:

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• The term ἀργυροκόπος is derived from ἀργυρός (argyrós), meaning “silver,” and κόπος (kópos), meaning “toil” or “labor.” Therefore, ἀργυροκόπος literally means “silver-worker” or “one who works with silver.”

Primary Meanings:

• Silversmith: The primary meaning of ἀργυροκόπος is “silversmith,” referring to someone who works with silver, particularly in crafting or manufacturing silver items.
• Jeweler: In a broader sense, it can also refer to someone who makes or sells silver jewelry.
• Money-Worker: It can be used to describe a person involved in handling or creating items related to silver money.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀργυροκόπος as “a silversmith,” focusing on its role in the crafting and manipulation of silver. It highlights the occupation’s significance in ancient times and its specialized skill in working with silver.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀργυροκόπος as “a silversmith,” emphasizing the craftsmanship involved in making silver items and jewelry.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary supports the definition of ἀργυροκόπος as a “silversmith” and notes its application in contexts where individuals are involved in silverwork.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀργυροκόπος as “silversmith,” noting its use in classical Greek to refer to those who work with silver in various capacities.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀργυροκόπος as “a silversmith,” describing a person skilled in working with silver.

Bible Verses:

• Acts 19:24 (KJV): “For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;”
• In this verse, ἀργυροκόπος is used to refer to Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines, illustrating the occupation’s role in ancient trade.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἀργυροκόπος is used to denote individuals involved in silverworking:

• Xenophon: References silversmiths in discussions of crafts and trades, highlighting their role in economic activities.
• Aristotle: Mentions the work of silversmiths in his writings on various professions and their contributions to society.
• Plato: Includes references to craftsmen, including silversmiths, in dialogues about the division of labor and the role of different trades.

4. Summary:

The Greek term ἀργυροκόπος (G695: argyrokópos) primarily means “silversmith,” derived from ἀργυρός (silver) and κόπος (labor). Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ agree on its primary use to refer to individuals skilled in working with silver. Biblical references, such as in Acts 19:24, illustrate its role in ancient trade and craftsmanship, while classic Greek literature provides examples of its usage in describing trades and professions.