ἄργυρος
árgyros
G696 noun
SILEX Entry
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.
Translation Consistency
ἄργυρος is most naturally and broadly rendered as “silver,” covering the metal, silver objects or vessels, and silver coinage (with money/wealth as a metonymic extension). “Silver” is the common, natural English term that preserves the full semantic range.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (shining); silver (the metal, in the articles or coin):--silver.
Root Family
ἀργυρ- (argýreos) — silver, composed of silver, pertaining to silver
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G696-02 |
ἄργυρον | arguron | N ACC M SG |
silver | silver | silver | 2 |
G696-01 |
ἀργύρῳ | arguro | N DAT M SG |
silver | with silver | silver | 1 |
G696-03 |
ἄργυρος | arguros | N NOM M SG |
silver | silver | silver | 1 |
G696-04 |
ἀργύρου | argurou | N GEN M SG |
of silver | of silver | of silver | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G696-02 |
Matthew 10:9 | ἄργυρον | arguron | N ACC M SG |
silver | silver | silver |
G696-01 |
Acts 17:29 | ἀργύρῳ | arguro | N DAT M SG |
silver | with silver | silver |
G696-02 |
1 Corinthians 3:12 | ἄργυρον | arguron | N ACC M SG |
silver | silver | silver |
G696-03 |
James 5:3 | ἄργυρος | arguros | N NOM M SG |
silver | silver | silver |
G696-04 |
Revelation 18:12 | ἀργύρου | argurou | N GEN M SG |
of silver | of silver | of silver |