4552. sapphiros
Lexical Summary
sapphiros: sapphire

Original Word: σάπφειρος
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: sapphiros
Pronunciation: SAF-ee-ros
Phonetic Spelling: (sap'-fi-ros)
KJV: sapphire
NASB: sapphire
Word Origin: [of Hebrew origin (H5601 (סַפִּיר - sapphire))]

1. a "sapphire" or lapis-lazuli gem

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
sapphire.

Of Hebrew origin (cappiyr); a "sapphire" or lapis-lazuli gem -- sapphire.

see HEBREW cappiyr

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of Semitic origin, cf. sappir
Definition
sapphire, perhaps lapis lazuli
NASB Translation
sapphire (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4552: σάπφειρος

σάπφειρος, σαπφείρου, , Hebrew סַפִיר, sapphire, a precious stone (perhaps our lapis lazuli, cf. B. D., under the word ; Riehm, HWB, under the word Edelsteine, 14): Revelation 21:19. (Theophrastus, Dioscorides (?), others; the Sept..)

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.”
• Septuagint usage: Exodus 24:10; 28:18; 39:11; Job 28:6, 16; Song of Solomon 5:14; Isaiah 54:11; Ezekiel 1:26; 10:1, and others. In each of these, the Greek translators employ the same term to render the Hebrew סַפִּיר (sapir).

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.
2. Holiness: Just as sapphire is forged under intense pressure, so sanctification shapes believers to reflect divine purity (1 Peter 1:6-7).
3. Intercession: Remembering its place on the breastpiece encourages persistent prayer for the people of God, modeling the High Priest’s perpetual advocacy.
4. Perseverance: The sapphire’s durability reminds the church that its foundation is unshakeable; therefore, ministry labors “in the Lord are not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

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 sápphiros
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Revelation 21:19 N-NFS
GRK: ὁ δεύτερος σάπφιρος ὁ τρίτος
NAS: the second, sapphire; the third,
KJV: the second, sapphire; the third,
INT: the second sapphire the third

Strong's Greek 4552
1 Occurrence


σάπφιρος — 1 Occ.

4551
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