χρυσίον (chrusion)
chrusion
gold
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun chrusion refers to gold, specifically in its refined or worked forms such as coins, ornaments, or precious objects. As a diminutive of the broader word for gold, it often highlights the specific utility or form of the metal rather than the raw material itself. This distinction appears clearly in passages like Acts 3:6, where Peter offers silver and gold coins to a beggar, and in Revelation 21:18, which describes the city’s walls made of pure gold.
In Scripture, chrusion carries significant theological weight by contrasting earthly value with spiritual reality. Peter uses it to describe how believers are redeemed not with perishable things like silver or gold coins (chrusion), but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18). Similarly, in Revelation 3:18, Jesus advises the church in Laodicea to buy refined gold from Him, symbolizing true spiritual wealth that surpasses material currency.
This word underscores a recurring biblical theme: while gold holds great value in human society, it is ultimately secondary to divine grace. Its frequent appearance in Revelation and Peter’s letters emphasizes the contrast between temporary earthly treasures and eternal spiritual riches.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word for refined gold appears in moments where human wealth meets divine reality. In Acts 3, Peter holds out empty hands to a beggar, offering something far better than silver or gold coins. He shows that the power to heal and restore comes from Jesus alone, not from the metal in our pockets. This reminds us that our true resources are found in Christ’s name.
At the same time, Scripture uses this precious material to point toward spiritual truths. In Revelation, the New Jerusalem is built with pure gold, showing that God’s kingdom is of infinite worth. Peter also writes that our faith is more valuable than perishable gold. When we trust Jesus, we hold onto something that fire cannot destroy and time cannot wear away.
Our daily lives often chase after temporary security. Yet this word invites us to look deeper. The things we value most should reflect the eternal nature of God’s love. We find our true richness not in what we keep, but in who we know.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gold5×
- with gold2×
- with gold,1×
- than gold1×
- of gold1×
- gold [things]1×
- by gold —1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χρυσίον4×
- χρυσίῳ3×
- χρυσίῳ,2×
- χρυσίου2×
- χρυσίων1×
Key Verses
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Acts 3:6
But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
Peter contrasts the empty hands holding no gold with the fullness of power available in Jesus' name.
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I Peter 1:18
knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things like silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers,
The text explicitly states that redemption came through Christ's blood, not through corruptible gold coins.
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Revelation of John 3:18
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
Jesus advises the Laodiceans to buy refined gold from Him to find true spiritual wealth.
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Revelation of John 21:18
The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass.
The city wall is made of jasper while the city itself is pure gold, symbolizing divine perfection.