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ἄργυρος

árgyros

G696 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἀργυρ- bright, shining, white (as root); silver (metal)

Definition

Silver; the precious metal characterized by its shiny, white appearance. Refers both to the raw material and to objects made of silver, including coins and vessels. In certain contexts, can also metonymically refer to wealth or money in general, particularly in the form of silver coinage.

Semantic Range

silver (the metal), silver object or vessel, coined silver, money (by metonymy), wealth (by extension)

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root ἀργυρ-, related to ἀργός (shining, bright), denoting the brightness of the metal. Etymologically distinct from χρυσός (gold). Cognate with Latin argentum and Sanskrit rajata, all reflecting an Indo-European root meaning 'shining' or 'white'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in Homer and classical authors, ἄργυρος always denotes silver as a substance as well as items crafted from it. In Hellenistic and Roman periods, commonly referenced silver coins which served as standard currency (e.g., δηνάριον, denarius). In the Septuagint, it regularly translates Hebrew כֶּסֶף (kesef), which similarly refers both to silver and to money or value in general. In the New Testament, ἄργυρος can denote literal silver (as metal or object) or figuratively refer to monetary value or payment, as in the thirty pieces of silver in the betrayal narrative. English Bible translations usually render ἄργυρος as 'silver,' but occasionally as 'money' in economic contexts, which can obscure the original referent to silver currency. Distinct from χρήματα (possessions, wealth) and νόμισμα (coined money), ἄργυρος emphasizes the material or coinage specifically made of silver. The term does not imply theological or religious connotations; rather, its meaning is cultural and economic, relating to trade, wealth, and value in ancient societies.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (shining); silver (the metal, in the articles or coin):--silver.

Root Family

ἄργυρος (argyros) — bright, shining, white; silver (metal)

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G696-02 ἄργυρον arguron N ACC M SG silver silver 2
G696-04 ἀργύρου argurou N GEN M SG of silver of silver 1
G696-03 ἄργυρος arguros N NOM M SG silver silver 1
G696-01 ἀργύρῳ arguro N DAT M SG silver with silver 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G696-02 Matthew 10:9 ἄργυρον arguron N ACC M SG silver
G696-01 Acts 17:29 ἀργύρῳ arguro N DAT M SG silver with silver
G696-02 1 Corinthians 3:12 ἄργυρον arguron N ACC M SG silver silver
G696-03 James 5:3 ἄργυρος arguros N NOM M SG silver silver
G696-04 Revelation 18:12 ἀργύρου argurou N GEN M SG of silver of silver
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