Lexical Summary marmaros: Marble Original Word: μάρμαρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance marble. From marmairo (to glisten); marble (as sparkling white) -- marble. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom marmairó (to glisten) Definition a crystalline stone, esp. marble NASB Translation marble (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3139: μάρμαροςμάρμαρος, μαρμάρου, ὁ, ἡ (μαρμαίρω to sparkle, glisten); 1. a stone, rock (Homer, Euripides). 2. marble ((cf. Epistle Jer. Marble was prized for its whiteness, polish, and durability. From Egypt’s alabaster statues to Greece’s Parian columns and Rome’s imperial forums, the stone conveyed status, permanence, and artistic refinement. Quarries in Paros, Pentelicus, and Proconnesus supplied the Mediterranean world, and blocks were traded as luxury cargo alongside precious metals and spices. To the first-century reader, “marble” evoked opulence on a scale reserved for palaces, temples, and monuments to human glory. Old Testament Background While the Greek term appears only in the New Testament, Hebrew Scripture depicts the same material under שֵׁשׁ (shesh). David amassed “marble stones in abundance” for the future temple (1 Chronicles 29:2). Ahasuerus’ palace displayed “pillars of marble” (Esther 1:6), and the beloved in Song of Solomon stands “like marble pillars” (Song of Solomon 5:15). These passages connect the stone with royal splendor and architectural beauty, setting the stage for its symbolic force in Revelation. The Singular New Testament Occurrence (Revelation 18:12) Within the lament for fallen Babylon, marble is listed among the doomed city’s imports: “Cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet fabric; of every sort of citron wood, and every article of ivory, of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble” (Revelation 18:12). The catalogue functions like a customs manifest, showcasing the height of economic prosperity. By including marble—an item associated with imperial architecture—John underscores that even the most enduring human works will be swept away when God judges a system rooted in pride and immorality (Revelation 18:10, 17). Theological Significance 1. Transience of Earthly Glory: Marble symbolizes what seems solid and lasting. Revelation 18 reveals that even such “permanent” materials cannot withstand divine judgment (compare 1 Timothy 6:17). Ministry and Devotional Applications • Stewardship: The passing of marble monuments calls Christians to invest in works that cannot be shaken—faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Related Themes and Cross-References Precious Stones (Exodus 28:17-20; Revelation 21:19), Commerce and Judgment (Ezekiel 27; Revelation 18:11-17), Pride of Nations (Isaiah 2:12-18), Living Stones (1 Peter 2:4-5). Marble’s single appearance in the Greek New Testament thus serves as a vivid emblem of worldly magnificence destined to crumble before the splendor of God’s eternal kingdom. |
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