Lexical Summary bérullos: Beryl Original Word: βήρυλλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance beryl. Of uncertain derivation; a "beryl" -- beryl. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition beryl NASB Translation beryl (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 969: βήρυλλοςβήρυλλος, βηρυλλου, ὁ, ἡ, beryl, a precious stone of a pale green color (Pliny, h. n. 37, 5 (20) (i. e. 37, 79)): Revelation 21:20. (Tobit 13:17; neuter βηρύλλιον, equivalent to שֹׁהַם, Exodus 28:20; Exodus 36:20 ( Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 969 designates the precious stone “beryl,” mentioned in Scripture as one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. Though it appears only once in the Greek New Testament, the concept of beryl is woven through multiple Old Testament passages, linking priestly ministry, prophetic vision, and eschatological hope into a unified biblical thread. New Testament Witness: Revelation 21:20 “...the eighth was beryl…” (Revelation 21:20). In the climactic vision of John, beryl adorns the eighth foundation of the holy city, testifying to the splendor, permanence, and multifaceted glory of God’s eternal dwelling with His people. Situated among twelve distinct gems, beryl contributes to a composite portrait of divine beauty and order. Beryl in the Old Testament 1. Priestly Breastpiece: Exodus 28:20; 39:13 record beryl as the third stone in the fourth row of the high priest’s breastpiece of judgment. Set over the heart of Aaron, it signified one of the twelve tribes, demonstrating that the Lord bears His covenant people continually before Him. Historical and Cultural Background Beryl was mined in antiquity from regions such as Egypt’s Eastern Desert and the mountains of India and was prized for its clarity and sea-green to pale blue hues. Its presence on trade routes connecting the Red Sea, Arabia, and the Mediterranean made it accessible to Israel’s craftsmen. Ancient lapidaries regarded beryl as a stone of transparency and depth, reflecting light in ways that suggested purity and steadfastness—qualities Scripture applies to God and to His covenant dealings. Symbolism in Biblical Theology 1. Covenant Representation: In the breastpiece, each stone bore a tribe’s name, and beryl therefore stands as a concrete reminder that God remembers and upholds every believer. Christological Connections The gemstones of Revelation form a twelvefold foundation for the city whose “lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23). Beryl, positioned eighth, highlights new-creation order in Christ. The Daniel 10:6 vision—“His body was like beryl”—foreshadows the incarnate Lord whose resurrected glory now secures the eternal city. Thus, beryl points from priest, to prophet, to King. Pastoral and Devotional Insights • Identity in Christ: As one stone among twelve, beryl reminds believers that they are individually known yet corporately built into God’s temple (1 Peter 2:5). Related Scriptures for Study Exodus 28:20; 39:13 Ezekiel 1:16; 10:9; 28:13 Summary Though mentioned but once in the Greek New Testament, beryl threads together themes of covenant remembrance, divine presence, and eschatological fulfillment. From the priestly garments of Exodus to the jeweled foundations of the New Jerusalem, this gemstone proclaims the consistent beauty, faithfulness, and glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ and secured for His redeemed people. Forms and Transliterations βηρύλλιον βηρυλλος βήρυλλος berullos bērullos beryllos bēryllos bḗryllosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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