Golden Glory: χρυσοῦς (Strong’s G5552: chrysous) Reveals Heaven’s Splendor

Strong’s G5552: Derived from χρυσός (gold), χρυσοῦς is an adjective meaning “golden” or “made of gold.” Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in Scripture, it signifies value, purity, and divine glory, particularly in descriptions of temple vessels and heavenly objects.

U- Unveiling the Word

The adjective χρυσοῦς carries profound significance in biblical literature, extending beyond its basic meaning of “golden” or “made of gold.” In the New Testament, it frequently appears in contexts of sacred objects and heavenly imagery. Its usage in 2 Timothy 2:20 presents a powerful metaphor comparing believers to vessels in God’s house, with golden vessels representing those prepared for honorable use. This imagery draws from the Old Testament temple traditions where gold symbolized divine glory, purity, and lasting value. The early church continued this symbolism, particularly in descriptions of heavenly worship and the New Jerusalem.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρυσοῦς, chrysous, /khry-SOOS/
• Detailed pronunciation: khrü-sü’s (where ‘kh’ is pronounced like ‘ch’ in Scottish ‘loch’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: χρυσός (chrysos) – gold
• Suffix: -οῦς (-ous) – adjectival ending indicating “made of” or “consisting of”

D – Defining Meanings

• Made of gold
• Golden in color or appearance
• Precious, valuable

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derives from the simple noun χρυσός with adjectival ending

Translation Options:

• Golden – most precise for physical descriptions
• Gold (attributive) – when modifying nouns
• Made of gold – when emphasizing material composition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χρυσίον (chrysion) /khry-SEE-on/ – refined gold or gold objects See G5553
• χρυσόπρασος (chrysoprasos) /khry-SO-pra-sos/ – chrysoprase, a gemstone See G5555
• χρυσόλιθος (chrysolithos) /khry-SO-li-thos/ – chrysolite See G5555

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: First/Second

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine singular: χρυσοῦς
• Feminine singular: χρυσῆ
• Neuter singular: χρυσοῦν
• Masculine plural: χρυσοῖ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons consistently emphasize χρυσοῦς as denoting objects made of gold or having golden qualities. BDAG particularly notes its use in religious contexts, while Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to wealth and value. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its broad application in Greek literature. Vine’s connects it to metaphorical uses in Scripture, particularly in Revelation’s imagery. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings demonstrate its common use in commercial contexts, often in inventory lists and commercial documents, highlighting its practical application in daily life alongside its sacred usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold [χρυσοῦς] and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.”

Additional References:
Revelation 1:12, Revelation 1:20, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 5:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word χρυσοῦς represents more than mere material wealth in Scripture; it symbolizes divine glory and spiritual value. In Revelation, golden lampstands represent the churches, showing how the Messiah values His people. This imagery reminds us that believers are precious in God’s sight, refined like gold through trials, and meant to reflect His glory. The good news is that through faith in the Messiah, we become His treasured possession, more valuable than gold that perishes.

D – Did You Know?

• χρυσοῦς appears most frequently in Revelation, describing heavenly objects
• The word influenced English terms like “chrysanthemum” and “chrysolite”
• Ancient Greek metalworkers developed specific techniques for creating pure gold objects, reflecting the word’s precise meaning

Strong’s G5552: An adjective derived from χρυσός (gold), χρυσοῦς signifies “golden” or “made of gold.” Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in Scripture, it represents value, purity, and divine glory, particularly in descriptions of temple vessels and heavenly objects.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: gold, golden, precious metals, temple worship, Revelation, divine glory, wealth, purity, heavenly objects, sacred vessels​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​