Understanding ἀργυροκόπος (argyrokopos) Strong’s G695: The Sacred Art of Silversmithing in Biblical Times and its Spiritual Significance

Pronunciation Guide: ar-goo-rok-OP-os

Basic Definition

Strong’s G695: A silversmith or craftsman who works with silver, specifically one who makes silver shrines, statues, or other religious artifacts. The word combines the Greek terms for “silver” and “to strike/beat,” literally meaning “one who strikes/beats silver.”

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (Masculine)
• Compound word from ἄργυρος (argyros, “silver”) and κόπτω (kopto, “to strike/beat”)
• Used primarily in narrative sections
• Found in contexts of trade and commerce
• Common in Hellenistic period literature

ἀργυροκόπος Morphology:

• ἀργυροκόπος (nominative singular) – a silversmith
• ἀργυροκόπου (genitive singular) – of a silversmith
• ἀργυροκόπῳ (dative singular) – to/for a silversmith
• ἀργυροκόπον (accusative singular) – the silversmith

Origin & History

The term ἀργυροκόπος has deep roots in ancient Greek culture, particularly in the context of skilled craftsmen and artisans. In classical Greek literature, Xenophon mentions silversmiths in his “Oeconomicus” when discussing various trades and professions in Athens. The profession was especially prominent in cities with major temples, where silversmiths produced both religious artifacts and everyday items.

The Septuagint uses related terms when describing the crafting of sacred vessels for the Tabernacle and Temple, though ἀργυροκόπος specifically doesn’t appear. However, the related word ἄργυρος is frequently used in descriptions of Temple treasures and sacred objects.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A skilled craftsman specifically working with silver
• A maker of silver shrines and religious artifacts
• A merchant dealing in silver products and sacred items

ἀργυροκόπος Translation Options:

• Silversmith – Best captures the professional aspect and skilled craftsmanship
• Silver-worker – Emphasizes the manual labor aspect
• Silver craftsman – Highlights the artistic element
• Maker of silver shrines – Specifically in religious contexts like Acts 19

Biblical Usage

The word ἀργυροκόπος appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:24, where it refers to Demetrius, a silversmith in Ephesus who made silver shrines of Artemis. The context reveals the significant economic and religious impact of the silversmith trade in ancient cities. While the specific term appears only once, related words about silver craftsmanship appear throughout Scripture:

• “For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith [ἀργυροκόπος], which made silver shrines for Diana.” Acts 19:24

Cultural Insights

The silversmiths of Ephesus formed a powerful guild that wielded significant economic and religious influence. Their craft was intimately connected with the worship of Artemis (Diana), whose temple in Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The silver shrines they produced were miniature replicas of the temple and the goddess, purchased by pilgrims as souvenirs and devotional objects.

These artisans were not merely craftsmen but were considered guardians of both religious tradition and economic stability. The riot instigated by Demetrius in Acts 19 demonstrates how closely intertwined commerce, religion, and social status were in ancient Mediterranean cities.

Theological Significance

The appearance of ἀργυροκόπος in Acts 19 provides a powerful backdrop for demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. The conflict between Demetrius and Paul represents the clash between human-made religion and divine truth. This episode shows how the message of the Messiah challenged not just religious beliefs but entire economic systems built around pagan worship.

The narrative also reveals how the Gospel’s power to transform lives threatened those who profited from false religion. It serves as a reminder that true worship of God often requires abandoning lucrative but spiritually compromising practices.

Personal Application

This word study reminds us to examine our own lives for areas where economic interests might compete with our devotion to God. Just as the Ephesian silversmiths had to choose between financial security and spiritual truth, we too may face situations where following the Messiah requires sacrificing worldly gain.

Related Words

• χρυσοχόος (chrysochoos) [khree-sok-ho-os] – goldsmith, related craft but working with gold instead of silver See G5553
• τεχνίτης (technites) [tek-NEE-tace] – craftsman, skilled worker, more general term for artisan See G5079
• χαλκεύς (chalkeus) [khal-KYOOS] – coppersmith or metalworker, similar trade but different material See G5471

Did you Know?

• Archaeological discoveries in Ephesus have uncovered numerous silver shrines and workshops, confirming the biblical account of the thriving silversmith industry.
• Modern silversmiths still use many of the same basic techniques employed by ancient ἀργυροκόποι, including hammering (raising), chasing, and repoussé work.
• The riot described in Acts 19 was so significant that archaeologists have identified the theater where it took place, which could hold 25,000 people.

Remember This

The story of the ἀργυροκόπος reminds us that when God’s truth encounters human tradition and commerce, His power prevails despite earthly opposition.