Lexical Summary sapphiros: sapphire Original Word: σάπφειρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sapphire. Of Hebrew origin (cappiyr); a "sapphire" or lapis-lazuli gem -- sapphire. see HEBREW cappiyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Semitic origin, cf. sappir Definition sapphire, perhaps lapis lazuli NASB Translation sapphire (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4552: σάπφειροςσάπφειρος, σαπφείρου, ἡ, Hebrew סַפִיר, sapphire, a precious stone (perhaps our lapis lazuli, cf. B. D., under the word Topical Lexicon Material and Appearance A sapphire is a precious stone of deep translucent blue, ranked among the most valuable gems of the ancient Near East. Its lustrous hue suggested the color of a clear, sun-lit sky and therefore became linked in Scripture with heaven, purity, and steadfastness. Biblical Occurrences • Greek New Testament: Only in Revelation 21:19, where the second foundation of the New Jerusalem is “sapphire.” Cultic and Priestly Usage Exodus 28:18 lists the sapphire as the second stone on the first row of the high-priestly breastpiece, positioned over the heart as Aaron bore “the names of the sons of Israel.” The stone therefore shared in mediatorial representation and in the typology of intercession later fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). Revelatory Setting Exodus 24:10 records that the elders “saw the God of Israel, and under His feet was something like a pavement of sapphire stone, as clear as the sky itself.” The sapphire floor signifies the transcendence and holiness of God while simultaneously revealing His willingness to commune with covenant representatives. Ezekiel likewise beholds “a throne of sapphire” (Ezekiel 1:26; 10:1), reinforcing the theme that the stone marks the very sphere of divine kingship. Wisdom Literature Perspective Job 28 speaks of miners unearthing sapphires (Job 28:6), then declares, “Wisdom cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire” (Job 28:16). The gem’s rarity magnifies the pricelessness of divine wisdom—a lesson echoed by Christ’s teaching that the kingdom of heaven is a treasure beyond calculation (Matthew 13:44-46). Prophetic Consolation Isaiah 54:11-12 promises that Zion’s foundations will be laid with “sapphires,” anticipating a perfected covenant community whose security rests on God’s unbreakable word. The Revelation vision of sapphire foundations fulfills this promise, anchoring eschatological hope in God’s fidelity. Eschatological Fulfillment Revelation 21:19: “The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald.” The sapphire, second in order, combines with the other stones to symbolize full covenant completion. Each gem catches and refracts the glory of God and the Lamb (Revelation 21:23), indicating that redeemed humanity will forever reflect divine splendor. Christological Reflections The sapphire throne (Ezekiel) and the sapphire foundation (Revelation) converge in Jesus Christ, who reigns upon David’s eternal throne (Luke 1:32-33) and serves as the cornerstone of the living temple (Ephesians 2:20-22). The unwavering blue of the stone illustrates His faithfulness (Revelation 19:11) and the unchanging nature of His covenant promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). Ministry Application 1. Worship: The gemstone imagery calls believers to behold the majesty of God and cultivate reverent, hope-filled worship that anticipates the New Jerusalem. Summary From Sinai’s pavement to the end-time city, the sapphire traces a thread of revelation that exalts God’s holiness, assures His covenant people, and culminates in the radiant glory of the Lamb. Its singular New Testament appearance invites believers to lift their gaze toward the heavenly city whose builder and architect is God (Hebrews 11:10). Forms and Transliterations σάπφειρον σαπφειρος σάπφειρος σαπφείρου σαπφείρω σάπφιρος σαράβαρα σαραβάροις sapphiros sápphirosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |