Summary
Quick facts
- Strong’s Number
- G4604
- Original Word
- σίδηρος
- Transliteration
- sídēros
- Pronunciation
- sid'-ay-ros
- Part of Speech
- noun
- Category
- Creation
- Root / Etymology
- of uncertain derivation;
- Frequency
- 1×
- Gematria
- 592
Where it appears
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Definition
Strong 1890 iron
iron
of uncertain derivation;

Commentary
Contributors: · · · ·
Strong's G4604: A noun meaning "iron," representing both the raw metal and items made from it. In its New Testament appearance in Revelation's list of trade goods, it symbolizes commercial wealth and technological advancement. The term carried connotations of strength, durability, and economic power in ancient culture.
U- Unveiling the Word
σίδηρος represents more than just a metal - it symbolizes power, commerce, and human advancement. Its appearance in Revelation 18:12 within Babylon's trade goods list suggests both material prosperity and the tools of power. Early church writers saw iron as representing worldly strength contrasted with spiritual power. Today, it reminds us that even the strongest human achievements are temporal compared to God's eternal kingdom.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
Not applicable as σίδηρος is a primary noun
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
Noun Features:
Examples:
Singular: σίδηρος (nom), σιδήρου (gen), σιδήρῳ (dat), σίδηρον (acc)
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S - Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its commercial context. Thayer's notes its practical applications. LSJ documents extensive technical uses. Vine's connects it to strength imagery. Strong's highlights its material nature. Moulton-Milligan provides evidence from trade documents.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
"The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble," Revelation 18:12
Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
σίδηρος reminds us that even the strongest materials and greatest achievements of human civilization are temporary in light of God's eternal kingdom. While iron represents human power and prosperity, Christ's kingdom is built on stronger foundations. The word points us to trust not in material strength but in God's enduring power.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G4604: A noun meaning "iron," representing both the raw metal and items made from it. In its New Testament appearance in Revelation's list of trade goods, it symbolizes commercial wealth and technological advancement. The term carried connotations of strength, durability, and economic power in ancient culture.
Part of speech: Noun
Tags: iron, metals, commerce, trade, Revelation, Babylon, material wealth, human achievement, worldly power, technology, ancient commerce, material goods