Lexical Summary chrusolithos: Chrysolite Original Word: χρυσόλιθος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chrysolite. From chrusos and lithos; gold-stone, i.e. A yellow gem ("chrysolite") -- chrysolite. see GREEK chrusos see GREEK lithos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chrusos and lithos Definition a chrysolite (a yellow gem) NASB Translation chrysolite (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5555: χρυσόλιθοςχρυσόλιθος, χρυσολιθου, ὁ (χρυσός and λίθος), chrysolith, chrysolite, a precious stone of a golden color; our topaz (cf. BB. DD., under the word Chrysolite; especially Riehm, HWB, under the word Edelsteine 5 and 19): Revelation 21:20. (Diodorus 2, 52; Josephus, Antiquities 3, 7, 5; the Sept. for תַּרְשִׁישׁ, Exodus 28:20; Exodus 36:20 (Exodus 39:13); (Ezekiel 1:16 Aq.).) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The word χρυσόλιθος appears once in the Greek New Testament, within the catalogue of foundation stones of the New Jerusalem: “the fifth was sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst” (Revelation 21:20). Here the gem is the seventh of twelve, set in a context that radiates divine glory and permanence. Historical Identity of the Gem Ancient writers applied the term to a transparent stone of golden-green hue, likely the modern peridot mined on the Egyptian island of Zabargad. Its brilliance made it prized in both jewelry and cultic ornamentation. Because the same Greek term occasionally rendered Hebrew טַרְשִׁישׁ (tarshish) in the Septuagint, many scholars link the stone named in Revelation to the tenth stone of the high-priestly breastpiece (Exodus 28:17–20; Exodus 39:10–13). In antiquity chrysolite was thought to guard its wearer from fear and to promote insight—qualities that, though rooted in folklore, underscore Scripture’s presentation of precious stones as conveyors of divine light. Symbolism in Biblical Theology 1. Glory and Light: Precious stones capture and refract light, serving as concrete pictures of the radiant glory of God (Revelation 4:3; Revelation 21:23). Chrysolite’s golden tint evokes refined gold—imagery Scripture associates with purity and tested faith (Job 23:10; 1 Peter 1:7). Connections to the Old Testament Priesthood The high priest bore twelve stones over his heart “for the remembrance of the sons of Israel” (Exodus 28:29). If tarshish corresponds to chrysolite, then the New Jerusalem re-presents that stone in its walls, transforming priestly remembrance into eternal memorial. What was once worn by a single intercessor now anchors the dwelling place of God with humanity, showing the fulfillment of Israel’s priestly vocation in the completed people of God (1 Peter 2:9). Eschatological Significance in Revelation Placed seventh—at the midpoint—chrysolite signals transition from the first six stones connected to Israel’s tribal heritage toward the latter stones that many see as symbolizing the mission to the nations. The central placement accents the unity of God’s redemptive plan. Moreover, chrysolite’s lustrous green-gold color hints at life and glory intertwined, befitting a city where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). Ministerial Applications • Worship: The gemstone list calls congregations to cultivate awe before God’s beauty. Reading Revelation 21 aloud, with attention to chrysolite, leads worshipers to anticipate the unveiled glory to come. In the single, shining mention of χρυσόλιθος Scripture unites past priestly imagery with future consummation, inviting believers to marvel at the glory, permanence, and inclusiveness of the city whose architect and builder is God. Forms and Transliterations χρυσόλιθον χρυσολιθος χρυσόλιθος chrusolithos chrysolithos chrysólithosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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