ἀργύριον (argurion)
argurion
money
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun argurion refers to silver money, specifically a piece or coin of silver. Derived from the word for raw silver (argyros), it appears twenty times in the New Testament, often translating the Hebrew kesef found in the Septuagint. While it can denote the material itself, as when Peter declares he possesses neither gold nor argurion (Acts 3:6), it most frequently signifies actual currency used in trade or payment.
In narrative contexts, the term highlights the tangible reality of financial transactions. Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15), and later returns the blood money to the temple (Matthew 27:5-6). Similarly, Simon Magus offers money to purchase spiritual power (Acts 8:20), illustrating how the word anchors abstract concepts of value in concrete objects.
Translators typically render argurion as "money" or "pieces of silver," reflecting its function as a standardized unit of exchange. Its usage underscores the physical nature of wealth in the biblical world, where value was held in metal rather than digital records or credit. The word serves as a reminder that economic interactions were direct and material.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word argurion points to the tangible reality of value in the ancient world. It was not abstract credit or digital data, but heavy silver coins that changed hands in markets and temples. When Jesus spoke of talents or Judas weighed out thirty pieces, these were real objects with weight and worth. This physical nature reminds us that our faith is not detached from the material world we inhabit.
Yet Scripture consistently challenges how we relate to this kind of wealth. Peter’s refusal to give silver in Acts 3 shows that spiritual power cannot be bought or sold. Similarly, Peter reminds believers in his first letter that they were redeemed not by perishable metal, but by the precious blood of Christ. True value lies beyond what can be weighed on a scale.
This perspective invites a gentle reordering of priorities. We can use money for good purposes—supporting ministry, helping neighbors, or managing resources wisely—without letting it define our security or identity. The biblical narrative holds wealth in tension: it is a tool, not a master. Trusting in God’s provision allows us to handle earthly resources with freedom and generosity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- money6×
- pieces of silver3×
- Silver2×
- silver pieces1×
- silver1×
- pieces of silver.1×
- pieces of silver,1×
- of silverlings1×
- of silver1×
- money,1×
- coins1×
- by silver1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀργύριον6×
- ἀργύρια5×
- ἀργυρίου3×
- ἀργύριόν1×
- ἀργύριά1×
- ἀργύριον,1×
- ἀργύρια.1×
- ἀργύρια,1×
- ἀργυρίῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 3:6
But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
Peter contrasts the lack of silver with the spiritual power available through Jesus, showing that divine healing cannot be purchased.
-
Matthew 26:15
and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” So they weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver.
The weighing of thirty pieces of silver marks the tragic transaction where betrayal is priced in cold cash.
-
Acts 8:20
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
Peter’s sharp rebuke condemns the attempt to buy spiritual gifts, emphasizing that grace is never a commodity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does argurion mean in the New Testament?
How is argurion different from chremata?
Why does Peter mention silver in Acts 3:6?
What is the significance of the thirty pieces of silver?
Every Occurrence (20 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 9 verses
But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the earth and hid his lord’s money.
Matthew 25:27You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own…
Matthew 26:15and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” So they weighed out for him thirty pieces of…
Matthew 27:3Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of…
Matthew 27:5He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary and departed. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:6The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the…
Matthew 27:9Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, “They took the thirty pieces of silver,…
Matthew 28:12When they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,
Matthew 28:15So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until…