Gilded Glory: χρυσόω (Strong’s G5558: chrysoō) Reveals Heavenly Splendor

Strong’s G5558: From chrysos (gold); to gild, cover with gold, or make golden. Used in contexts of adorning with gold, particularly in reference to luxury, wealth, and divine glory in both literal and metaphorical senses.

U- Unveiling the Word

χρυσόω represents the act of gilding or overlaying with gold, carrying deep symbolic significance in biblical contexts. This verb embodies both material and spiritual dimensions – physically describing the process of covering objects with gold, while metaphorically representing divine glory and heavenly splendor. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of earthly excess and spiritual corruption, particularly in Revelation where it symbolizes the deceptive allure of worldly power contrasted with genuine divine glory. The early church understood this word as a powerful metaphor for distinguishing true spiritual wealth from mere external appearances.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρυσόω, chrysoō, /khree-SO-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: khrü-so’-ō (as in ‘chris’ + ‘oh’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• χρυσός (chrysos) – root noun meaning “gold”
• -όω (-oō) – verbal suffix indicating “to make into” or “to cover with”

D – Defining Meanings

• To gild, overlay with gold
• To make golden in appearance
• To adorn with gold decorations

For compound words:
The verb is formed from the noun χρυσός (gold) with the -όω suffix, creating a factitive verb meaning “to make into gold” or “to cover with gold”

Translation Options:

• “To gild” – Most precise technical term for the process
• “To overlay with gold” – Clearest descriptive translation
• “To make golden” – Captures both literal and figurative uses

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χρυσίον (chrysion) /khrü-sē’-on/ – refined gold or gold ornaments See G5553
• χρυσός (chrysos) /khrü-sos’/ – gold as a metal or material See G5557
• χρύσεος (chryseos) /khrü’-se-os/ – made of gold, golden See G5552

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Present Active Indicative: χρυσόω
• Future: χρυσώσω
• Perfect: κεχρύσωκα
• Aorist Passive: ἐχρυσώθην

The word follows regular -όω verb patterns, with standard augmentation and reduplication in historical tenses. The passive voice is particularly significant as it describes the state of being gilded or covered with gold.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons consistently emphasize χρυσόω’s technical meaning of gilding while acknowledging its metaphorical extensions. BDAG highlights its use in Revelation as symbolizing decadent luxury. Thayer’s emphasizes the process of applying gold to objects. LSJ provides extensive classical examples of technical usage in metalworking contexts. Moulton and Milligan note its presence in papyri describing temple decorations. Vine’s connects it to broader themes of wealth and ostentation in biblical criticism. This technical term carries significant theological weight in its limited New Testament usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Revelation 17:4: “The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned [χρυσόω] with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.”

Additional References:
Revelation 17:4
Revelation 18:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χρυσόω serves as a powerful reminder that external appearances can be deceptive. In Revelation, it appears in contexts describing false glory and worldly excess, contrasting sharply with true divine splendor. This word teaches us to discern between genuine spiritual wealth and mere superficial adornment. The good news of King Jesus reminds us that true glory comes not from external gilding but from the transformation of the heart through His redemptive work.

D – Did You Know?

• The technique of gilding described by χρυσόω was so precise it could cover objects with gold leaf just a few molecules thick
• The word appears in ancient Greek recipes for creating religious artifacts
• In Byzantine church architecture, χρυσόω described the process of creating golden dome mosaics

Strong’s G5558: From chrysos (gold); to gild, cover with gold, or make golden. Used in contexts of adorning with gold, particularly in reference to luxury, wealth, and divine glory in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: gold, gilding, wealth, luxury, revelation, adornment, metalworking, decoration, symbolism, biblical-greek, verb​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​