ξύλινος (xulinos)
xulinos
wooden
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective xulinos simply means "wooden" or "made of wood." It describes objects constructed from timber, serving as a straightforward material descriptor in the New Testament. The term appears only twice in the canonical scriptures, both times to distinguish between different types of vessels.
In 2 Timothy 2:20, Paul uses it to describe large containers used for storing water or wine, contrasting them with gold and silver items. This usage highlights a hierarchy of value, where wooden vessels represent common utility rather than precious status. The word derives from xylon, the general term for wood or timber, anchoring its meaning firmly in physical construction.
Although it does not carry deep theological symbolism on its own, its presence in Revelation's context (often associated with similar lexical fields) reinforces the tangible reality of earthly objects. Translators consistently render it as "wooden" to preserve this clear distinction between material types, ensuring readers understand the specific nature of the items being discussed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word xulinos simply means wooden, describing objects made from timber. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, always to distinguish materials rather than to convey deep spiritual mystery. When Paul writes about vessels in a large house, he uses this term to highlight a practical hierarchy of value. Some containers are precious metal; others are wood and clay, suited for common daily use.
This distinction reminds us that God’s household includes many different kinds of people and roles. Not everyone is called to the same function or status. Just as a wooden bowl serves a necessary purpose in a kitchen, every believer has a place where they can be useful. Your value does not depend on how rare or expensive you seem to others.
Instead, it rests on whether you are available for the Master’s use. Whether your gifts appear ordinary or extraordinary, God can make them holy if you are ready to serve. The focus is not on the material of the vessel, but on its cleanliness and willingness to hold what He places inside.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wooden,1×
- wooden1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ξύλινα,1×
- ξύλινα1×
Key Verses
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II Timothy 2:20
Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor and some for dishonor.
Paul uses this term to contrast common wooden vessels with precious gold and silver, illustrating that usefulness to God depends on purity and availability rather than outward status.
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Revelation of John 9:20
The rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, didn’t repent of the works of their hands, that they wouldn’t worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood, which can’t see, hear, or walk.
The text lists wood alongside stone and metal as materials for idols, emphasizing that these objects are lifeless and unable to see or hear, unlike the living God.