### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G5470 (χάλκεος, *chálkeos*) is derived directly from the noun G5475 (χαλκός, *chalkos*), which signifies "copper," "bronze," or "brass." As an adjective, G5470 describes something as "made of bronze," "brazen," or "coppery." It denotes the material composition of an object, indicating its metallic nature, specifically referencing the alloy of copper (bronze or brass). The semantic range is therefore quite narrow, focusing on the physical property of being composed of this particular metal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the specific lemma G5470 (χάλκεος, *chálkeos*) does not appear in the Greek New Testament. While the Strong's entry provides a base definition and transliteration, this particular adjectival form is not employed in the biblical text.
However, the material it describes, bronze or brass, and related terms, are indeed significant in the New Testament. The noun G5475 (χαλκός, *chalkos*) appears in contexts such as [[1 Corinthians 13:1]] ("sounding brass" or "clanging cymbal") and [[Mark 6:8]] ("money in their belt," referring to copper coins). More notably, the compound noun G5474 (χαλκολίβανον, *chalkolibanon*), translated as "fine brass" or "burnished bronze," is used in [[Revelation 1:15]] and [[Revelation 2:18]] to describe the feet of the glorified Christ. While G5470 itself is absent, its underlying semantic domain is highly relevant to understanding these occurrences. Had G5470 been used, it would have served to describe an object as being "of bronze" or "brazen," thereby emphasizing its material properties in a manner consistent with the symbolic weight of bronze in biblical thought.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the noun G5475 (χαλκός, *chalkos*), from which G5470 is derived. G5475 refers to the metal itself—copper, bronze, or brass—and is used both literally (e.g., coins, [[Matthew 10:9]]) and metaphorically (e.g., a "sounding gong" or "clanging cymbal" in [[1 Corinthians 13:1]], denoting empty noise).
Another crucial related term is G5474 (χαλκολίβανον, *chalkolibanon*), which appears in Revelation. This term, often rendered "fine brass" or "burnished bronze," carries significant symbolic weight, especially when describing the feet of Christ.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent `{{H5178}}` (נְחֹשֶׁת, *nechosheth*), also meaning "copper," "bronze," or "brass," is extensively used. Bronze was a fundamental material in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, appearing in the altar of burnt offering ([[Exodus 27:2]]), the laver ([[Exodus 30:18]]), and various vessels. It symbolized strength, durability, and a capacity to withstand fire and judgment. The bronze serpent ([[Numbers 21:9]]), later called Nehushtan, also holds significant theological meaning as a type of Christ's saving work on the cross ([[John 3:14]]). Prophetic visions, such as Daniel's statue with legs of iron and feet partly of iron and partly of clay ([[Daniel 2:33]]), or the vision of the four kingdoms, also implicitly use metals, including bronze, to symbolize earthly powers. These Old Testament uses provide a rich backdrop for understanding the symbolic resonance of bronze in the New Testament, even if G5470 itself is not present.
### Theological Significance
Although G5470 (χάλκεος) itself is not found in the New Testament, the material it describes—bronze or brass—carries profound theological significance, particularly as seen through the related terms G5474 and G5475. The properties of bronze—its hardness, durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand intense heat—are leveraged for symbolic meaning.
In the Old Testament, bronze was associated with judgment and purification. The bronze altar was where sacrifices were offered, signifying the place where sin was judged by fire. The bronze laver was for ceremonial cleansing, emphasizing purity before God. The bronze serpent, lifted up, brought healing, pointing to Christ's victory over sin and death through His suffering.
In the New Testament, especially in Revelation, the description of Christ's feet as "like fine brass" (G5474) is highly symbolic. His feet represent His walk, His foundation, and His authority. The imagery of "burnished bronze" or "fine brass, as if refined in a furnace" ([[Revelation 1:15]]) speaks to Christ's absolute purity, His unwavering righteousness, and His unyielding power to tread down evil and execute righteous judgment. The metal's ability to endure intense heat signifies His divine nature, His capacity to endure suffering, and His role as the righteous judge who can purify and refine. Thus, while G5470 is absent, the concept of being "of bronze" or "brazen" inherently points to these attributes of divine strength, purity, and decisive judgment.
### Summary
The Greek adjective G5470 (χάλκεος, *chálkeos*) signifies "made of bronze" or "brazen," deriving from the noun G5475 (χαλκός) for the metal itself. While G5470 does not appear in the New Testament, its semantic domain is crucial for understanding the biblical significance of bronze. Related words like G5475 (χαλκός) and especially G5474 (χαλκολίβανον), "burnished bronze," are used to describe the feet of the glorified Christ in Revelation, symbolizing His firm foundation, unyielding authority, and righteous judgment. Drawing from extensive Old Testament typology, bronze consistently represents strength, durability, purification, and the capacity to withstand divine judgment. Therefore, although G5470 is not explicitly found, the concept of an object being "of bronze" carries a rich theological weight, underscoring attributes of divine power, purity, and the execution of justice.
TRV