"gold, Heb. 9:4; 1 Pet. 1:7; Rev. 3:18; 21:18, 21; spc. gold when coined or manufactured; golden ornaments, 1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Pet. 3:3; Rev. 17:4; 18:16; gold coin, money, Acts 3:6; 20:33; 1 Pet. 1:18*"
Definition and meaning
gold, Heb. 9:4; 1 Pet. 1:7; Rev. 3:18; 21:18, 21; spc. gold when coined or manufactured; golden ornaments, 1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Pet. 3:3; Rev. 17:4; 18:16; gold coin, money, Acts 3:6; 20:33; 1 Pet. 1:18*
In the original Greek the word is written: χρυσίον
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of chrysion (G5553) across the King James Bible.
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
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Common questions
Strong's G5553 (chrysion) is a Greek word that means: gold, Heb. 9:4; 1 Pet. 1:7; Rev. 3:18; 21:18, 21; spc. gold when coined or manufactured; golden ornaments, 1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Pet. 3:3; Rev. 17:4; 18:16; gold coin, money, Acts 3:6; 20:33; 1 Pet. 1:18* It appears 9 times in the King James Bible.
The word chrysion (G5553) appears 9 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5553 is chrysion, a Greek word defined as: gold, Heb. 9:4; 1 Pet. 1:7; Rev. 3:18; 21:18, 21; spc. gold when coined or manufactured; golden ornaments, 1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Pet. 3:3; Rev. 17:4; 18:16; g. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
chrysion is a Greek word found in the New Testament.