σίδηρος (sidēros)
sidēros
iron
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sidēros simply means iron, a durable metal used for tools and weapons in the ancient world. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Revelation 18:12, where it lists materials traded by Babylon.
This single occurrence places the word in a context of commercial wealth and imperial power. The sources note that the Greek term corresponds to the Hebrew barzel found in the Old Testament, often describing strong implements or fortified structures. Its rarity in the New Testament highlights its specific symbolic weight rather than everyday usage.
Translators consistently render sidēros as "iron," preserving the concrete reality of the material. The word serves as a tangible marker of earthly strength and economic influence within the apocalyptic vision, contrasting with spiritual values.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for iron appears just once in the New Testament, tucked into a long list of luxury goods in Revelation 18:12. This verse describes the collapse of Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and wealth. By mentioning iron alongside gold, silver, and ivory, the text highlights the durability and value of earthly trade.
For your faith, this serves as a reminder that material strength is temporary. The same metal used to build empires will eventually fade away when those systems fail. It invites us to place our trust in spiritual realities that outlast any economic system or political structure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of iron1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σιδήρου1×
Key Verses
-
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 is the only New Testament occurrence, where iron represents the durable industrial goods traded by a falling empire.