Lexical Summary smaragdos: emerald Original Word: σμάραγδος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance emerald. Of uncertain derivation; the emerald or green gem so called -- emerald. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition an emerald NASB Translation emerald (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4665: σμάραγδοςσμάραγδος, σμαράγδου, ὁ (but apparently feminine in the earlier writ, cf. Theophrast. lap. 4, 23; in Herodotus its gender cannot be determined; cf. Stephanus Thesaurus, under the word), Latinsmaragdus (A. V. emerald), a transparent precious stone noted especially for its light green color: Revelation 21:19. (From Herodotus down; the Sept.. On the derivation of the word see Vanicek, Fremdwörter, under the word. On its relation to our 'emerald' (disputed by King, Antique Gems, p. 27ff), see Reihm, HWB, under the word 'Edelsteine', 17; Deane in the 'Bible Educator', vol. ii., p. 350f.) Topical Lexicon Canonical Appearance The noun σμάραγδος occurs once in the Greek New Testament, designating the fourth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19). John names it in a list of twelve gems that adorn the city whose architect and builder is God. Old Testament Precursors Although the Greek term itself does not appear in the Hebrew canon, its equivalent is widely recognized in the Septuagint. The LXX employs σμάραγδος to translate בָּרֶקֶת (bareqeth) in the high priest’s breastpiece (Exodus 28:17; 39:10) and among the trade goods of Tyre (Ezekiel 27:16). Ezekiel 28:13 also counts it among the splendors in Eden, underscoring its antiquity and status. Thus, emerald serves as a literary bridge between the Mosaic cultus, prophetic oracles, and Johannine eschatology. Symbolism and Theological Themes 1. Life and Fertility: The deep green hue of emerald suggests thriving vegetation and perpetual freshness. In Revelation, its placement within the city whose river gives “water of life” (Revelation 22:1) strengthens the motif of eternal vitality. Historical and Cultural Setting Greco-Roman writers prized emeralds from Egypt’s Eastern Desert and India’s mines. Because of their rarity and clarity, they marked imperial power; even Nero reputedly watched gladiatorial games through a polished emerald. John’s first-century audience would have associated the gem with wealth yet beyond ordinary reach, heightening the splendor of the heavenly city. Eschatological Significance Revelation 21 situates the emerald among twelve foundations, each linked by many commentators to the twelve apostles (verse 14). The emerald, therefore, speaks of an apostolic foundation that is both precious and permanent. By listing jeweled layers rather than mere stone courses, Scripture emphasizes that what is solid in the present age will be surpassed by what is glorious in the age to come. Christological Connections The emerald’s luster mirrors the glory of the incarnate Christ. He is the high priest whose breastpiece never wears out, the covenant-keeping Lord encircled by a green rainbow of grace, and the cornerstone of the city whose foundations sparkle. In Him every symbol coalesces: living water, verdant life, and incorruptible beauty. Implications for Worship and Ministry • Hope-Infused Perseverance: Emerald imagery assures believers that present trials will give way to incomparable grandeur. Summary While σμάραγδος appears but once in the New Testament, its biblical footprint spans from Sinai to Zion. The emerald’s enduring green speaks of covenant faithfulness, priestly mediation, and everlasting life, drawing the reader’s gaze from the shifting wealth of earth to the unshakable, jewel-laden city of God. Forms and Transliterations εσμίκρυνας εσμίκρυνε εσμικρύνθη σμάραγδον σμαραγδος σμάραγδος σμαράγδου σμήγμα σμήγμασι σμικρυνθήσεται σμίλακά σμίλαξ σμυρίτης smaragdos smáragdosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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