Lexical Summary chalkolibanon: Burnished bronze Original Word: χαλκολίβανον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fine brass. Neuter of a compound of chalkos and libanos (in the implied mean of whiteness or brilliancy); burnished copper, an alloy of copper (or gold) and silver having a brilliant lustre -- fine brass. see GREEK chalkos see GREEK libanos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chalkos and libanos Definition chalcolibanus (fine copper, bronze or brass) NASB Translation burnished bronze (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5474: χαλκολίβανονχαλκολίβανον (so Suidas (but see Gaisf. edition under the word)), χαλκολιβανου, τό, more correctly χαλκολιβανος, χαλκολιβανου, ἡ (according to the reading as it ought to be restored ((but see the editions)) in Revelation 1:15 ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμενη; cf. Düsterdieck's critical note (see Buttmann, 80 (69) note)), a word of doubtful meaning found only in Revelation 1:15, and Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture χαλκολίβανον appears twice, both in the opening vision cycle of Revelation (Revelation 1:15; 2:18). In each instance the term describes the feet of the exalted Christ, linking His presence to brilliant, furnace-refined metal. Background and Metallurgical Considerations Ancient writers used similar compound words for highly polished bronze or a copper-gold alloy valued for its brightness and durability. Its glowing appearance after refinement made it a fitting image for purified strength. The metal’s resilience under intense heat underscores the idea of purity that withstands testing—an attribute explicitly connected to Christ in Revelation’s prologue. Old Testament Resonances Revelation’s imagery is deeply indebted to Daniel’s visionary description of “the gleam of polished bronze” (Daniel 10:6) and to the bronze furnishings of the Tabernacle and Temple (Exodus 27:1-8; 1 Kings 7:13-16). Bronze in the sanctuary was associated with both judgment (the altar of burnt offering) and mediation (the laver for priestly cleansing). By choosing bronze rather than gold or silver, the apocalyptic portrait recalls the altar where sin was dealt with and links the glorified Messiah to His once-for-all sacrificial work. Apocalyptic Portrait in Revelation Revelation 1:15: “His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.” Revelation 2:18: “These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze.” The vision unfolds in three escalating dimensions: (1) Christ’s priest-kingly identity amid the seven lampstands, (2) His authority over the churches, and (3) His future judgment of the nations. The burnished bronze of His feet underlines stability—He stands immovable—and fiery holiness—He treads sin underfoot. Judgment and Purity Feet of glowing metal evoke the smelting process in which impurities rise to the surface and are removed. Christ, therefore, approaches the churches as One whose own purity is proven and who now examines their works (Revelation 2:23). Thyatira, famous for metalworking guilds, would grasp the metaphor: the Lord who walks among them is of a higher, purer alloy than any earthly craftsmanship. Christological Implications 1. Incorruptibility: The risen Christ is not subject to decay (Acts 2:31). Ministerial Application • Church leaders, called to “walk as He walked” (1 John 2:6), are reminded that ministry is forged in the furnace of testing; genuine service emerges refined, not tarnished. Historical Reception Early commentators such as Irenaeus and Hippolytus saw in the glowing metal a prophecy of Christ’s pre-advent judgment. Medieval artists depicted the ascended Lord with radiant feet to contrast His earlier earthly sojourn, emphasizing victory over death. Reformers highlighted the alloy’s strength to assure persecuted believers of Christ’s unassailable rule. Theological Summary χαλκολίβανον gathers multiple biblical threads—bronze altar, prophetic vision, furnace imagery—into one concentrated picture of the risen Jesus: pure, powerful, and prepared to judge and cleanse His people. The term’s rarity heightens its significance, ensuring that whenever the church reads Revelation, it beholds the Lord whose steadfast, shining feet guarantee the consummation of His redemptive purposes. Forms and Transliterations χαλκολιβανω χαλκολιβάνω χαλκολιβάνῳ chalkolibano chalkolibanō chalkolibánoi chalkolibánōiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 1:15 N-DNSGRK: αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν NAS: [were] like burnished bronze, when KJV: like unto fine brass, as INT: of him like fine brass as in Revelation 2:18 N-DNS |