Lexical Summary sardonux: Sardonyx Original Word: σαρδόνυξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sardonyx. From the base of sardios and onux (the nail of a finger; hence the "onyx" stone); a "sardonyx", i.e. The gem so called -- sardonyx. see GREEK sardios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sardion and onux (a gem) Definition sardonyx NASB Translation sardonyx (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4557: σαρδιονυξσαρδιονυξ, equivalent to σαρδόνυξ (which see): Revelation 21:20 Lachmann STRONGS NT 4557: σαρδόνυξσαρδόνυξ (Lachmann σαρδιονυξ), σαρδονυχος, ὁ, (σάρδιον and ὄνυξ), sardonyx, a precious stone marked by the red colors of the carnelian (sard) and the white of the onyx (B. D. under the word; Riehm, HWB, under the word Edelsteine 12): Revelation 21:20. (Josephus, Plutarch, Ptolemy, others; (Genesis 2:12 Aq. (Montf.)).) Sardonyx (Greek σάρδονυξ) appears once in the New Testament, in Revelation 21:20. It is named as the fifth foundation stone in the wall of the New Jerusalem: “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 fifth sardonyx…” (Revelation 21:19-20). Historical and Cultural Background In the ancient world sardonyx was highly prized for its alternating reddish-brown (sard) and white (onyx) layers. Jewelers carved cameos in it because the two-tone structure created natural contrast. Roman signet rings and imperial seals often used this stone, lending the gem a connotation of authority and authenticity. The trade routes of the first century carried specimens from India, Arabia, and regions around the Red Sea, making it well known among early Christian readers of Revelation. Theological Significance in Revelation 21:20 John’s vision lists twelve stones set into the city’s foundations—one for each tribe of Israel and, by extension, for the people of God in their fullness. Sardonyx, placed fifth, sits midway in the sequence and therefore within the strong central band of support for the eternal city. The placement suggests continuity and stability, affirming that God’s redemptive plan, begun with Israel, finds unbreakable completion in the Church. As a layered stone, sardonyx also visually portrays unity: distinct bands fused into one gem, mirroring Jews and Gentiles joined in Christ (Ephesians 2:14-22). Symbolism of Sardonyx in Scripture 1. Permanence and Strength: Like a mason choosing the hardest stones for foundational tiers, the heavenly Architect selects gems that will never decay (Revelation 21:14). Sardonyx’s toughness illustrates the inviolable security of the saints’ eternal dwelling. Connections to Old Testament Imagery Though sardonyx is not named in the breastpiece of the high priest (Exodus 28:17-20), onyx and sard are. The fusion of these two in sardonyx implies culmination: what was once separate in Israel’s priestly symbolism is now united in the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. Similarly, the twelve stones of Aaron’s breastpiece foreshadow the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, linking the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly. Related Gemstones and Comparative Notes • Onyx (Greek 4556) emphasizes layers of black and white, whereas sardonyx introduces the red sard element, intensifying themes of covenant blood. Ministry and Devotional Application • Assurance of Salvation: Just as sardonyx is literally cemented into the New Jerusalem’s foundations, believers are “kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5). Meditating on this gem fortifies confidence in God’s preserving grace. Summary Sardonyx, rare in Scripture yet rich in meaning, stands in the New Jerusalem as a testimony to God’s covenantal faithfulness, the unity of His redeemed people, and the permanence of their inheritance. Contemplating this single gem encourages believers to rest in Christ’s finished work and to labor with hope for the city whose foundations can never be shaken. |
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