Brief Overview of σίδηρος (Strong’s G4604: sidēros)

Strong’s G4604: A noun meaning “iron,” representing both the raw metal and items made from it. In its New Testament appearance in Revelation’s list of trade goods, it symbolizes commercial wealth and technological advancement. The term carried connotations of strength, durability, and economic power in ancient culture.

U- Unveiling the Word

σίδηρος represents more than just a metal – it symbolizes power, commerce, and human advancement. Its appearance in Revelation 18:12 within Babylon’s trade goods list suggests both material prosperity and the tools of power. Early church writers saw iron as representing worldly strength contrasted with spiritual power. Today, it reminds us that even the strongest human achievements are temporal compared to God’s eternal kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σίδηρος, sidēros, SEE-day-ros
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on first syllable: ‘SEE’ as in see, ‘day’ as in day, ‘ros’ as in rose
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Ancient root word possibly of non-Greek origin
• Related to other Indo-European words for iron
• No prefixes or suffixes – primary noun

D – Defining Meanings

• Iron metal
• Iron implements
• Iron weapons or tools

For compound words:
Not applicable as σίδηρος is a primary noun

Translation Options:

• “Iron” – Basic material
• “Iron goods” – Manufactured items
• “Iron implements” – Tools and weapons

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χαλκός (chalkos, khal-KOSS) – brass See G5475
• χρυσός (chrusos, khroo-SOSS) – gold See G5557
• ἄργυρος (arguros, AR-goo-ros) – silver See G696

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular (rarely plural)
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: 2nd

Examples:
Singular: σίδηρος (nom), σιδήρου (gen), σιδήρῳ (dat), σίδηρον (acc)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its commercial context. Thayer’s notes its practical applications. LSJ documents extensive technical uses. Vine’s connects it to strength imagery. Strong’s highlights its material nature. Moulton-Milligan provides evidence from trade documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,” Revelation 18:12

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σίδηρος reminds us that even the strongest materials and greatest achievements of human civilization are temporary in light of God’s eternal kingdom. While iron represents human power and prosperity, Christ’s kingdom is built on stronger foundations. The word points us to trust not in material strength but in God’s enduring power.

D – Did You Know?

1. Iron was considered the most advanced metal of ancient civilization.
2. The term often symbolized the final age of human history in Greek thought.
3. Early Christians saw iron’s strength as illustrating worldly power versus spiritual strength.

Strong’s G4604: A noun meaning “iron,” representing both the raw metal and items made from it. In its New Testament appearance in Revelation’s list of trade goods, it symbolizes commercial wealth and technological advancement. The term carried connotations of strength, durability, and economic power in ancient culture.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: iron, metals, commerce, trade, Revelation, Babylon, material wealth, human achievement, worldly power, technology, ancient commerce, material goods​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​