2929. krustallizó
Lexical Summary
krustallizó: To crystallize, to become like crystal

Original Word: κρυσταλλίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: krustallizó
Pronunciation: kroos-tal-LID-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (kroos-tal-lid'-zo)
KJV: be clear as crystal
NASB: crystal-clear
Word Origin: [from G2930 (κρύσταλλος - crystal)]

1. to make (i.e. intransitively, resemble) ice ("crystallize")

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
be clear as crystal.

From krustallos; to make (i.e. Intransitively, resemble) ice ("crystallize") -- be clear as crystal.

see GREEK krustallos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from krustallos
Definition
to shine like crystal
NASB Translation
crystal-clear (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2929: κρυσταλλίζω

κρυσταλλίζω; (κρύσταλλος, which see); to be of crystalline brightness and transparency; to shine like crystal: Revelation 21:11. (Not found elsewhere.)

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Imagery and Single New Testament Occurrence

The verb krustallizō appears only once in the Greek New Testament, in Revelation 21:11, where the glory of the New Jerusalem is portrayed “like a jasper, clear as crystal”. The term paints a vivid picture of light passing through a flawless, transparent medium, signaling absolute purity and resplendent glory. John employs the verb to capture the dazzling, undimmed brilliance of the city that descends “out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:10). This rare choice of vocabulary heightens the sense that what he sees belongs to a realm untouched by the curse of sin and decay (Revelation 22:3).

Old Testament Parallels and the Prophetic Tradition

Although krustallizō itself is not used in the Septuagint, its imagery resonates with earlier prophetic visions:
• Ezekiel sees “the likeness of an expanse, sparkling like crystal” over the heads of the living creatures (Ezekiel 1:22).
• Daniel describes a “river of fire” issuing from God’s throne (Daniel 7:10), and Revelation 22:1 marries that idea to crystal clarity in the “river of the water of life, as clear as crystal.”
Job 37:10 notes that “ice is formed,” a Hebrew term sometimes rendered “crystal,” highlighting God’s mastery over creation’s frozen splendor.

These antecedents frame John’s vision within a continuum in which crystal imagery signals the nearness of God’s throne and the unveiled majesty of His presence.

Historical Background: Crystal and Jasper in the Ancient World

In the first-century Mediterranean world, “crystal” commonly referred to rock crystal (clear quartz), valued for its purity and capacity to refract light. Jasper, meanwhile, was prized for color and luminosity. By pairing jasper with crystal-like clarity, John conveys a stone of extraordinary translucence—something beyond the finest earthly gem. Ancient readers, familiar with opulent temple décor and imperial jewels, would grasp that this surpasses any human construction. The New Jerusalem’s radiant transparency thus proclaims God as its architect (Hebrews 11:10).

Theological Significance

1. Manifested Glory: The city shines “with the glory of God” (Revelation 21:11). Krustallizō underscores that divine glory is not merely reflected but permeates the entire structure.
2. Holiness and Purity: Transparency permits no hidden flaw. The crystalline description echoes Revelation 21:27: “Nothing unclean will ever enter it.”
3. Accessibility of God’s Light: Because the city is clear, the light of God and the Lamb (Revelation 21:23) reaches every corner, portraying perfect fellowship between God and His redeemed.
4. Consummation of Redemption: The vision fulfills earlier promises that the dwelling of God will be with humanity (Revelation 21:3). The crystal-like brilliance testifies that salvation culminates not merely in rescue from judgment but in transformation to radiant perfection.

Ministry Applications

• Hope that Purifies: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). The crystalline city calls believers to corresponding moral clarity.
• Encouragement Amid Persecution: John’s original audience faced opposition; a future of shimmering glory reassures them that present sufferings are temporary (Romans 8:18).
• Motivation for Transparent Living: The city’s see-through beauty models integrity. Churches are urged to walk “in the light” (1 John 1:7), avoiding hidden sin.
• Worship and Mission: The brilliance attributed to God alone sustains doxology (Revelation 21:22) and fuels witness, as the nations are drawn to its light (Revelation 21:24).

Eschatological Contrast

Revelation holds the New Jerusalem up against Babylon the Great. Whereas Babylon is adorned externally yet destined for destruction (Revelation 18:16-19), the crystal-clear New Jerusalem embodies inner, incorruptible radiance. Krustallizō thus marks the decisive victory of genuine righteousness over counterfeit splendor.

Summary

Krustallizō, though occurring only once, conveys the incomparable clarity, purity, and glory of the consummated kingdom. Through this single verb, Scripture invites believers to anticipate a future where the light of God fills all, to pursue holiness that mirrors that clarity, and to anchor their hope in the unassailable promise of a city whose brilliance is “clear as crystal.”

Forms and Transliterations
κρυσταλλιζοντι κρυσταλλίζοντι krustallizonti krystallizonti krystallízonti
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Revelation 21:11 V-PPA-DMS
GRK: λίθῳ ἰάσπιδι κρυσταλλίζοντι
NAS: as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.
KJV: a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
INT: a stone jasper being clear as crystal

Strong's Greek 2929
1 Occurrence


κρυσταλλίζοντι — 1 Occ.

2928
Top of Page
Top of Page