Precious Treasures: χρυσός (Strong’s G5557: chrysos) Reveals Divine Worship

Strong’s G5557: A precious metal symbolizing divine glory and royalty, derived from Proto-Indo-European *ghreu- (“to shine, gleam”). Primary meaning is gold as both raw material and refined product, representing value, purity, and worthiness of worship, especially in temple contexts and offerings to deity.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word χρυσός (chrysos) carries profound significance in biblical contexts, representing not just material wealth but divine glory and worthiness of worship. As seen in its first appearance in Matthew 2:11, the wise men’s offering of gold acknowledged Jesus’ divine kingship. In ancient culture, gold symbolized both temporal and spiritual authority, being the metal of kings and gods. The early church understood gold’s dual symbolism – its material value pointing to a greater spiritual reality. Today, this understanding enriches our appreciation of passages describing the New Jerusalem’s streets of gold and heavenly worship implements, reminding us that all earthly treasure serves to glorify our King.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρυσός, chrysos, /khroo-sos/
• Detailed pronunciation: khroo (as in ‘through’) – sos (as in ‘sauce’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: From Proto-Indo-European *ghreu- (“to shine, gleam”)
• Related to Sanskrit híraṇya (“gold”)
• No prefixes or suffixes – base noun form

D – Defining Meanings

• Raw gold material
• Refined gold
• Golden items or implements
• Metaphorical representation of value or divine glory

For compound words: Not applicable as χρυσός is a base noun

Translation Options:

• Gold – most precise for material contexts
• Golden – when referring to items made of gold
• Precious treasure – when emphasizing metaphorical value

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἄργυρος (argyros, /ar-goo-ros/) – silver, distinguished by being less precious – See G696
• χρυσίον (chrysion, /khroo-see-on/) – gold piece or jewelry – See G5553
• χρύσεος (chryseos, /khroo-seh-os/) – golden (adjective form) – See G5552

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: χρυσός (chrysos)
• Genitive: χρυσοῦ (chrysou)
• Dative: χρυσῷ (chrysō)
• Accusative: χρυσόν (chryson)
• Cross-references to related words:
• Adjective: χρύσεος (golden)
• Compound verb: χρυσόω (to gild)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons consistently emphasize χρυσός’s significance beyond mere material value. BDAG highlights its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts, particularly in Revelation’s imagery. Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to divine worship and temple implements. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing its early association with deity and royalty. Vine’s notes its distinction from χρυσίον (processed gold) versus raw material. Strong’s connects it to Indo-European roots meaning “to shine.” LEH adds Septuagint usage patterns, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyri examples showing its common commercial use alongside religious significance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Now when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold [χρυσός], frankincense, and myrrh.

Additional References:
Matthew 23:16, Matthew 23:17, James 5:3, Revelation 9:7, Revelation 17:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word χρυσός reveals a profound theological truth: material wealth finds its ultimate purpose in worship. From the Magi’s gifts to Revelation’s golden streets, gold symbolizes the worth of our King. This teaches us that true wealth isn’t in possessing gold, but in offering our best to Jesus. The good news shines through χρυσός – our King deserves our highest praise and finest offerings, not because He needs them, but because His worth demands nothing less. Just as gold refined by fire becomes pure, our worship through trials becomes precious to Him.

D – Did You Know?

• The word χρυσός appears in ancient Greek medical texts, describing gold’s believed healing properties
• In Byzantine Greek, χρυσός became part of imperial titles, reflecting divine authority
• The chemical symbol for gold (Au) comes from the related Latin aurum, sharing Indo-European roots with χρυσός

Strong’s G5557: A precious metal symbolizing divine glory and royalty, derived from Proto-Indo-European *ghreu- (“to shine, gleam”). Primary meaning is gold as both raw material and refined product, representing value, purity, and worthiness of worship, especially in temple contexts and offerings to deity.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: gold, precious metals, worship, offerings, wealth, divine glory, temple worship, material value, royal authority, treasure​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​