χρύσεος (chruseos)
chruseos
golden
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective chruseos simply means "golden," describing something made of, covered with, or resembling gold. It appears sixteen times in the New Testament, primarily in the book of Revelation, but also in Hebrews and Second Timothy. The word distinguishes the material quality of an object rather than its intrinsic value, often referring to items that are overlaid with gold or crafted from it.
In these texts, chruseos describes specific objects within sacred or symbolic settings. For instance, it characterizes the lampstands in Revelation 1:12 and the golden vessels mentioned in Hebrews 9:4. It also appears in descriptions of heavenly figures, such as the one clothed in gold in Revelation 1:13, or the twenty-four elders holding golden bowls in Revelation 5:8. The term grounds these visionary images in tangible, precious materials familiar to its original audience.
While the related noun for gold itself (chrusos) denotes the metal as a substance, chruseos functions as an attribute, specifying that an item possesses the nature or appearance of gold. This usage highlights the craftsmanship and material reality of the objects described, whether they are architectural elements in the heavenly temple or personal adornments like the golden crown in Revelation 14:14.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chruseos simply means "golden." It describes objects made of or covered with gold, grounding visionary imagery in tangible reality. In Revelation, golden lampstands and censers highlight the preciousness of worship and the church. These details remind us that our spiritual lives are held in something enduring and valuable.
We see this material quality in Hebrews 9:4, where the ark holds sacred items. This points to God's care for what is holy. The gold is not just wealth; it signifies reverence. When we encounter these descriptions, we are invited to consider how we treat the things of God with similar respect and awe.
Even in warnings, like the golden cup of Babylon, the material shows how beauty can be misused. Yet, the consistent use of gold for divine objects offers hope. It suggests that what belongs to God is pure and lasting. We can trust that our devotion is seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- golden11×
- golden.4×
- golden;1×
- golden:1×
- [the] golden1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χρυσοῦν5×
- χρυσᾶς3×
- χρυσᾶ2×
- χρυσῶν·1×
- χρυσῆ1×
- χρυσᾶς·1×
- χρυσᾶς.1×
- χρυσᾶν.1×
- χρυσοῦς.1×
- χρυσοῦν.1×
- χρυσοῦ1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 1:12
I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands.
This verse introduces the seven golden lampstands, establishing gold as the material for the symbols of the churches.
-
Hebrews 9:4
having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was a golden pot holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;
Here the golden pot of manna and Aaron's rod are inside the ark, showing how gold preserves sacred memories of God's provision.
-
Revelation of John 5:8
Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
The elders hold golden bowls of incense, directly linking the precious material to the prayers of the saints rising before God.
-
Revelation of John 14:14
I looked, and saw a white cloud, and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
The son of man wears a golden crown, using the metal to signify royal authority and victory in this vision.