χαλκολίβανος (chalkolibanos)
chalkolibanos
bronze
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun chalkolibanos refers to a bright, polished metal, often translated as bronze or burnished brass. Its etymology suggests a mixture of copper and gold, creating an alloy known in antiquity as orichalcum. This material was prized for its brilliant, white-gold sheen, distinguishing it from duller metals.
In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both in the Book of Revelation. John uses it to describe the appearance of Jesus’ feet, likening them to bronze glowing in a furnace (Revelation 1:15; 2:18). The imagery conveys divine majesty and enduring strength, emphasizing the radiant purity of the risen Christ rather than mere physical texture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chalkolibanos describes a bright, polished metal, often translated as bronze or burnished brass. In Revelation, John uses it to depict the feet of Jesus, likening them to metal refined in a furnace. This imagery conveys divine majesty and enduring strength, emphasizing the radiant purity of the risen Christ.
Seeing Christ described this way reminds us that He is both majestic and unchanging. His presence brings clarity and judgment, yet it also offers stability for those who trust in Him. When life feels uncertain, we can find comfort in knowing that our Lord stands firm, refined by holiness and ready to guide His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- as fine bronze1×
- as burnished bronze;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χαλκολιβάνῳ·1×
- χαλκολιβάνῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 1:15
His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters.
This verse establishes the initial vision of Christ's majestic appearance, using the metal imagery to highlight His divine authority and purity.
-
Revelation of John 2:18
“To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write: “The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things:
Here the description is repeated as Jesus addresses the church in Thyatira, linking His enduring strength to His role as judge and ruler over the assembly.