Lexical Summary hualinos: Glassy, transparent Original Word: ὑάλινος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of glass. From hualos; glassy, i.e. Transparent -- of glass. see GREEK hualos HELPS Word-studies 5193 hyálinos (an adjective, derived from 5194 /hýalos, "glass") – made of glass ("glassy"); "transparent as glass" (Souter). In Scripture, transparency is a greatly valued virtue, representing the Lord's glory shining through (reflecting Himself!). For example, "the glassy sea" surrounding the throne of God in heaven (Rev 4:6, 15:2) is apparently what reflects the Lord Himself, as manifested (reflected by) His saints. By God's light, their sanctification-glorification has a spiritual transparency that reflects the image of Jesus Himself. This projects (reflects) the glory He invested in them as transformed ("transparent") saints. In this way, the Lord gets all the glory – and believers have the incredible privilege of sharing (reflecting) it! Reflection: A. Tozer, "The Lord gives but He doesn't give away." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hualos Definition of glass, glassy NASB Translation glass (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5193: ὑάλινοςὑάλινος, ὑαλίνη, ὑαλινον (ὕαλος, which see), in a fragment of Corinna and occasionally in the Greek writings from Aristophanes down, of glass or transparent like glass, glassy: Revelation 4:6; Revelation 15:2. Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic RangeThe adjective ὑάλινος denotes “made of glass” or “glassy.” In Scripture it functions not as a comment on ancient manufacturing technique but as a deliberate theological image: transparent, brilliant, reflective, pure, and unbreakably solid. Occurrences in Revelation 1. Revelation 4:6 – “Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.” These three usages comprise the whole New Testament witness, and all appear in visionary scenes where heaven’s worship and final victory are in view. Old Testament Background The “sea” motif draws on several Old Testament strands: • Exodus 24:10 – the sapphire pavement “clear as the sky itself” beneath the feet of the God of Israel. Each precedent associates a shining expanse with the presence of God and the necessary purification of approaching worshippers. Symbolism of Clarity and Purity Glass in the first century was prized for translucence; flawless specimens resembled rock crystal. John selects υάλινος to emphasize utter purity—no sediment, no shadow, no hidden defect. The throne room of Revelation 4 thus communicates absolute holiness: nothing opaque, nothing unclean. In pastoral application, the spotless clarity calls believers to “pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Heavenly Worship and the Throne Scene Revelation 4 introduces ongoing celestial liturgy. The sea of glass forms a flooring that both separates and invites. Like the Temple veil, it guards the throne yet showcases the splendor within. Worship flows from that crystal platform as the four living creatures and twenty-four elders cry, “Holy, holy, holy” (Revelation 4:8). The worship of the church on earth mirrors this transparent, uncompromised devotion. Eschatological Victory over the Sea In Revelation 15, the glassy sea is “mixed with fire,” a sign that divine judgment has passed and the saints now stand triumphant. The sea—often a biblical symbol of chaos and evil—lies solidified under their feet. The conquerors, singing “the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Revelation 15:3), testify that Christ’s redemption has turned threatening depths into a pavement of victory. The link to Moses recalls Israel’s passage through the Red Sea; what once swallowed Pharaoh now serves as the platform of praise. Historical Background: Glass in the Ancient World By the late first century, glass-blowing was established around the Mediterranean, yet large flawless panes remained rare and costly. Ordinary hearers would picture luxury, beauty, and durability—qualities befitting the dwelling of the Almighty. John’s language does not depend on technical familiarity but on visceral awe at something radiant and precious. Practical and Pastoral Implications 1. Transparency in devotion: the glassy sea challenges believers to walk “in the light” (1 John 1:7), free from duplicity. Doctrinal Connections • Sanctification: purity is both positional (secured before the throne) and progressive (worked out in daily life). Conclusion Strong’s Greek 5193, though occurring only three times, provides a vivid window into the majesty, purity, and triumph surrounding God’s throne. The glassy sea declares that the holiness required by God has been achieved in Christ and that the chaos of sin has been subdued forever under His feet. Forms and Transliterations υαλινη υαλίνη ὑαλίνη υαλινην υαλίνην ὑαλίνην hyaline hyalinē hyalíne hyalínē hyalinen hyalinēn hyalínen hyalínēn ualine ualinē ualinen ualinēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 4:6 Adj-NFSGRK: ὡς θάλασσα ὑαλίνη ὁμοία κρυστάλλῳ NAS: a sea of glass, like KJV: [there was] a sea of glass like INT: like a sea glass like crystal Revelation 15:2 Adj-AFS Revelation 15:2 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 5193 |
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