ἄργυρος (arguros)
arguros
silver
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun arguros simply means silver, the precious metal valued for its durability and luster. Its root connects to the Greek word argos, meaning "shining," which highlights the material’s natural brilliance. This etymology reflects how ancient societies viewed silver not just as currency, but as a substance of inherent beauty and worth.
In Scripture, this term appears in five verses, notably in Matthew 10:9 where Jesus instructs his disciples to take no silver for their journeys, and in Revelation 18:12 within the catalog of goods traded by Babylon. James 5:5 also references it when warning against hoarding wealth. These contexts show silver as a tangible measure of economic power and earthly security.
While often associated with trade, the word carries theological weight through its contrast with spiritual poverty. The sources note that silver represents material wealth that can distract from divine priorities. Its shining nature serves as a metaphor for value, yet its presence in prophetic texts often signals the vulnerability of human systems built on such fleeting riches.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Silver in Scripture often stands for wealth, but also for what can distract us from God. In Matthew 10:9, Jesus tells His followers not to carry silver on their journeys. This simple instruction reminds us that our security does not come from money belts or bank accounts. It comes from trusting the One who provides.
We see this theme again in James 5:3, where hoarded silver is described as corroding. The text warns that storing up earthly treasures can lead to spiritual harm. Silver shines brightly, yet it cannot save us. True value lies in a heart fixed on eternal things rather than temporary gain.
When we let go of the need to control our finances, we find freedom. God invites us to rest in His provision. Let your trust be in Him, not in the metal that tarnishes or the coins that run out.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- silver2×
- to silver1×
- silver,1×
- of silver1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄργυρος1×
- ἄργυρον,1×
- ἄργυρον1×
- ἀργύρῳ1×
- ἀργύρου1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:9
Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts.
Jesus explicitly commands disciples to travel without silver, highlighting total dependence on God rather than financial preparation.
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James 5:3
Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be for a testimony against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up your treasure in the last days.
The corrosion of stored silver serves as a warning that hoarded wealth becomes evidence against the hoarder in judgment.
-
Acts 17:29
Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man.
Paul argues that since we are God's offspring, we should not imagine the Divine Nature is made of perishable materials like silver.