Understanding ἀργύριον (argyrion) Strong’s G694: The Biblical Currency that Reveals Divine Value and Stewardship

Pronunciation Guide: ar-GOO-ree-on

Basic Definition

Strong’s G694: ἀργύριον refers to silver money or coinage, derived from the Greek word for silver (ἄργυρος). In biblical contexts, it represents both literal currency and metaphorical value, often appearing in passages about stewardship, betrayal, and material wealth. The term carries significant weight in biblical narratives as it was the primary currency during the Second Temple period.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Root word: ἄργυρος (argyros) – silver
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in commercial and legal contexts
• Frequently used in parables and historical accounts

ἀργύριον Morphology:

• ἀργύριον (nominative/accusative singular) – silver (money)
• ἀργυρίου (genitive singular) – of silver (money)
• ἀργυρίῳ (dative singular) – with/by silver (money)
• ἀργύρια (nominative/accusative plural) – pieces of silver
• ἀργυρίων (genitive plural) – of pieces of silver
• ἀργυρίοις (dative plural) – with pieces of silver

Origin & History

The term ἀργύριον has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it initially referred to silver as a precious metal. Herodotus frequently used it in his Histories when discussing Persian tribute payments and Greek commerce. In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀργύριον appears as the primary translation for the Hebrew כֶּסֶף (keseph), demonstrating its importance in biblical economic contexts.

The transition from precious metal to standardized currency can be traced through ancient Greek texts. Xenophon’s Oeconomicus discusses ἀργύριον as a medium of exchange, while Aristotle’s Politics examines its role as a measure of value. By the time of the New Testament, ἀργύριον had become firmly established as a term for silver currency, particularly the tetradrachm and denarius.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Silver money or coinage used in daily transactions
• Silver as a precious metal and measure of wealth
• A specific amount of silver currency (often in plural form)
• Monetary value or worth in general

ἀργύριον Translation Options:

• “Silver money” – When referring to currency in general
• “Pieces of silver” – When specific coins are indicated (plural form)
• “Money” – In contexts where the specific metal is not emphasized
• “Silver” – When referring to the precious metal itself
• “Payment” – In transactional contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀργύριον appears in several significant contexts, from the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas (Matthew 26:15) to the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:18). The term often carries moral implications about the proper use of wealth and the dangers of greed.

The Septuagint uses ἀργύριον extensively, particularly in narratives involving commerce and temple offerings. This connection between physical currency and spiritual worship creates a rich theological tapestry that carries through to New Testament teachings.

Key verses:

• “But he who had received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money [ἀργύριον].” Matthew 25:18
• “And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver [ἀργύρια].” Matthew 26:15
• “Your silver [ἀργύριον] has become dross.” Isaiah 1:22 (LXX)
• “And they received the silver [ἀργύριον] of the valued.” Matthew 27:9
• “For you know that you were not redeemed with perishable things such as silver [ἀργύριον].” 1 Peter 1:18

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish culture, ἀργύριον played a crucial role in both secular and sacred contexts. The Temple tax was paid in silver shekels, and the compensation for various religious duties was calculated in silver currency. The thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas carried particular significance as it matched the price of a slave according to Exodus 21:32, highlighting the deep irony of valuing the Messiah at the price of a slave.

The use of silver in ancient near eastern commerce was deeply integrated into the covenant relationship between יהוה (Yahweh) and Israel. The prophet Amos’s critique of those who “sell the righteous for silver” (Amos 2:6) demonstrates how currency became a metaphor for moral and spiritual corruption in prophetic literature.

Theological Significance

The biblical usage of ἀργύριον often serves as a litmus test for spiritual condition. In the parable of the talents, it represents divine resources entrusted to believers. The proper stewardship of ἀργύριον becomes a metaphor for faithfulness to God’s calling and gifts.

The contrast between perishable ἀργύριον and imperishable spiritual riches appears throughout Scripture, culminating in Peter’s declaration that believers are redeemed not with silver but with the precious blood of the Messiah. This theological trajectory demonstrates God’s ultimate value system, where spiritual wealth far exceeds material riches.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀργύριον challenges us to examine our relationship with material wealth. Like the servants in the parable of the talents, we are called to be faithful stewards of whatever resources God has entrusted to us. The term reminds us that all we possess ultimately belongs to God and should be used for His glory.

This word study should prompt us to consider: Are we burying our talents or investing them for the Kingdom? Are we using our resources with eternal perspective? The way we handle ἀργύριον reveals much about our trust in God’s provision and our understanding of true value.

Related Words

• χρυσός (chrysos) – gold; often paired with ἀργύριον in lists of precious metals, emphasizing material wealth See G5557
• μαμωνᾶς (mamonas) – mammon, wealth personified as an idol; contrasts with proper use of ἀργύριον See G3126
• χρῆμα (chrēma) – money, wealth in general; broader term than ἀργύριον See G5536
• θησαυρός (thēsauros) – treasure, storehouse; often contains ἀργύριον See G2344
• κέρμα (kerma) – small coin, change; more specific than ἀργύριον See G2772

Did you Know?

• The term ἀργύριον shares its root with the modern chemical symbol for silver (Ag), which comes from the Latin argentum, itself derived from the Greek ἄργυρος.
• In ancient Athens, the primary silver coin was the tetradrachm, which featured the owl of Athena. These coins were so widely respected that they were known as “owls” and accepted throughout the Mediterranean world.
• The thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas would have been equivalent to about four months’ wages for a skilled laborer, highlighting the magnitude of the betrayal in economic terms.

Remember This

ἀργύριον reminds us that true wealth is not measured in silver coins but in faithful stewardship of God’s resources for His Kingdom purposes.