θύϊνος (thuinos)
thuinos
citron
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective thuinos describes something made from or resembling the wood of the citrus tree, a fragrant species native to North Africa. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Revelation 18:12, where it characterizes "wood" among the luxury goods listed as lost when Babylon falls.
Ancient readers would have recognized this material immediately. The tree was prized not just for its scent but for its ornamental, veined wood, which Romans and Greeks used for fine craftsmanship. Its connection to incense and aromatic trees highlights the sensory richness of the trade goods described in the vision.
By specifying this particular type of wood, the text emphasizes the value and exclusivity of the items being mourned. The choice of word grounds the apocalyptic imagery in the tangible reality of ancient commerce, where such rare materials represented significant wealth and status.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thuinos refers to citron wood, a fragrant and valuable material prized in the ancient world for its beauty and scent. In Revelation 18:12, it appears among the luxury goods mourned when Babylon falls, reminding us that even the most exquisite earthly treasures are temporary.
This single mention invites reflection on what we hold dear. While fine materials like citron wood represent human craftsmanship and wealth, they cannot withstand judgment or last beyond this life. The text uses such specific details to highlight the fleeting nature of worldly status.
Perhaps this encourages us to invest in things that endure—faith, love, and hope in Christ. These spiritual riches are not made from rare woods but from the eternal promises of God, which remain firm when all else fades away.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- citron1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θύϊνον1×
Key Verses
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Revelation of John 18:12
merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;
This verse lists expensive wood among Babylon's lost treasures, showing how even the most prized materials are subject to divine judgment.