Lexical Summary krustallos: Crystal Original Word: κρύσταλλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance crystal. From a derivative of kruos (frost); ice, i.e. (by analogy) rock "crystal" -- crystal. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kruos (frost) Definition crystal NASB Translation crystal (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2930: κρύσταλλοςκρύσταλλος, κρυστάλλου, ὁ (from κρύος ice; hence properly, anything congealed (cf. Latincrusta) and transparent) (from Homer down), crystal: a kind of precious stone, Revelation 4:6; Revelation 22:1; (cf. B. D. under the word STRONGS NT 2930a: κρυφαῖοςκρυφαῖος, κρυφαίᾳ, κρυφαιον (κρυφᾶ), hidden, secret: twice in Matthew 6:18 L T Tr WH. (Jeremiah 23:24; Wis. 17:3; in Greek writings from Aeschylus and Pindar down.) The term is found twice, each time in John’s visions: Revelation 4:6 and Revelation 22:1. In both contexts it is associated with the immediate presence of God, framing the throne itself and the river of the water of life. The repetition connects the opening throne-room vision with the closing picture of the renewed creation, weaving a single thread of divine purity from beginning to end. Imagery of Transparency and Purity Crystal, famed for flawless clarity, becomes a fitting metaphor for the holiness of God. The “sea of glass, as clear as crystal” (Revelation 4:6) depicts an expanse unclouded by sin or turmoil, setting a barrier of purity between the Creator and all that is impure. Likewise, “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal” (Revelation 22:1) underscores the untainted quality of the life God bestows in the new Jerusalem. The crystal imagery therefore speaks simultaneously of separation—God is holy—and invitation—the water is offered freely (Revelation 22:17). Old Testament Foreshadowings The Old Testament repeatedly uses shining, translucent substances to describe encounters with God. Exodus 24:10 notes that beneath His feet was “something like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.” Ezekiel 1:22 likens the expanse over the cherubim to “the gleam of awesome crystal.” Job 28:17 regards pure gold and glass as inadequate equivalents to divine wisdom. Such allusions prepare the reader for Revelation’s crystallized throne room, affirming canonical unity. Christological Dimensions The crystal sea stands before the throne where “a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain” is later seen (Revelation 5:6). The Lamb’s atoning work grants believers access through the purity the crystal represents; His blood cleanses them “that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates” (Revelation 22:14). Thus, the crystal imagery magnifies the sufficiency of Christ’s mediation—only the purified may stand or drink in God’s presence. Eschatological Hope Revelation’s closing vision shows crystal clarity not merely surrounding God’s throne but flowing into the streets of the heavenly city, signaling that holiness is no longer a distant vista but a shared environment. For the redeemed, purity is their permanent atmosphere; the former sea of separation becomes a river of participation, fulfilling Habakkuk 2:14, “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Historical and Cultural Notes In the first-century world, natural rock crystal was prized for its rarity and valued alongside precious stones. Its flawless transparency made it a natural emblem of incorruptibility. John employs a familiar luxury of the ancient Near East to communicate a reality infinitely greater: the unblemished character of God and the unspoiled quality of eternal life. Practical Implications for the Church 1. Worship: The crystal sea reminds congregations that true worship demands purity of heart (Psalm 24:3-4). Summary The two appearances of this term frame Revelation’s grand portrait of divine holiness and redeemed humanity’s destiny. From throne room to city street, crystal signals the unchanging purity of God, the cleansing work of Christ, and the promise of an undefiled inheritance for all who overcome by faith. Englishman's Concordance Revelation 4:6 N-DMSGRK: ὑαλίνη ὁμοία κρυστάλλῳ καὶ ἐν NAS: like crystal; and in the center KJV: of glass like unto crystal: and in INT: glass like crystal And in Revelation 22:1 N-AMS Strong's Greek 2930 |
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