Lexical Summary chalkédón: Chalcedony Original Word: χαλκηδών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chalcedony. From chalkos and perhaps eidos; copper-like, i.e. "chalcedony" -- chalcedony. see GREEK chalkos see GREEK eidos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition chalcedony (a precious stone) NASB Translation chalcedony (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5472: χαλκηδώνχαλκηδών, χαλκηδονος, ὁ, chalcedony, a precious stone de scribed by Pliny, h. n. 31, 5 (18), 72 (see B. D. (especially the American edition), under the word): Revelation 21:19. Topical Lexicon Scriptural PlacementRevelation 21:19 places the stone among the twelve precious gems that adorn the foundations of the New Jerusalem: “The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald”. The sole New Testament appearance confines the term to an explicitly eschatological context, tying it to the consummation of redemptive history. Historical and Geological Background In the ancient world “chalcedony” referred to a translucent form of quartz, commonly exhibiting pale bluish-gray, lavender, or milky hues. It was mined throughout Asia Minor—particularly near the city of Chalcedon in Bithynia, across the Bosporus from Byzantium. Craftsmen prized the stone for cameos, signet rings, and intricate intaglios because its fine grain allowed precise carving. Its availability in the eastern Mediterranean made it familiar to first-century readers, yet it still ranked among the more valuable ornamental stones. Place among the Twelve Foundation Stones The New Jerusalem’s foundations list twelve distinct gems (Revelation 21:19-20). These are commonly viewed as the counterpart to the twelve stones on Aaron’s breastpiece (Exodus 28:17-20) and, by extension, to the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12) as well as the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14). Several early church writers—such as Hippolytus and Andrew of Caesarea—attempted to correlate each foundation stone with an individual apostle, though Scripture gives no inspired key to that assignment. Nevertheless, the placement of chalcedony as the third stone situates it firmly within a comprehensive display of covenant continuity: Old Covenant tribes, New Covenant apostles, one unified holy city. Symbolic Significance 1. Purified Beauty Chalcedony’s soft translucence and subtle color evoke purity and serenity. Within Revelation’s heavily symbolic tapestry, such gems visualize “the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). 2. Permanence and Indestructibility Quartz rates high on the Mohs hardness scale. Its inclusion in the city’s foundation underscores the unshakeable, eternal stability of God’s eschatological dwelling with His people (Psalm 125:1; Hebrews 12:28). 3. Multi-faceted Glory The sequence of twelve different stones, each reflecting light in unique shades, speaks to the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10). Chalcedony’s gentle sheen contributes its own note to this symphony of color, reminding believers that divine glory is both unified and richly diverse. Eschatological Implications The single occurrence of chalcedony lifts the reader’s gaze to the coming age rather than to earthly temple architecture. John’s vision depicts the final, perfected community of saints where “the Lord God will be their light” (Revelation 22:5). Every gemstone contributes to the splendor, but the true centerpiece is God’s immediate presence. Chalcedony therefore functions not merely as a gemological detail but as an eschatological signpost directing hope toward the consummation of all things in Christ. Ministry Applications 1. Cultivating Eternal Perspective Reflecting on chalcedony invites believers to set their minds “on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Pastors can employ the imagery to foster anticipation of the New Jerusalem and thereby encourage perseverance amid present trials. 2. Teaching on Holiness and Unity A lesson series on the twelve foundation stones can highlight both individual distinctiveness and corporate harmony in the body of Christ. Chalcedony’s unique hue alongside the other stones serves as a visual aid for Paul’s comparison of the church to a building “joined together and rising into a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). 3. Worship and Aesthetic Excellence The Bible’s use of exquisite gemstones to depict God’s future dwelling validates the pursuit of beauty in worship spaces, music, and liturgy. While the true sanctuary is spiritual, earthly artistry can foreshadow heavenly glory and orient hearts toward it. Related Scriptural Parallels • Isaiah 54:11-12—Zion’s future glorification with “sapphires” and “precious stones” anticipates Revelation 21. Summary Though appearing only once, chalcedony enriches the biblical portrait of the New Jerusalem. Its historical value, physical durability, and gentle luster converge to illustrate the permanence, purity, and multifaceted beauty of God’s final dwelling with His redeemed people. For the church today, the stone stands as a quiet exhortation to persevere in holiness, unity, and hope until faith becomes sight. Forms and Transliterations χαλκηδων χαλκηδών chalkedon chalkedṓn chalkēdōn chalkēdṓnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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