Jacinth: A Precious Stone
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Jacinth, also known as hyacinth, is a precious stone mentioned in the Bible, noted for its beauty and significance. The term "jacinth" is derived from the Greek word "hyakinthos," which refers to a blue or bluish-purple gemstone. In biblical contexts, jacinth is often associated with the color blue, although some interpretations suggest a reddish hue, akin to the modern zircon.

Biblical References:

1. Revelation 21:20 · Jacinth is listed as one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. The Apostle John describes the heavenly city in vivid detail, noting the precious stones that adorn its foundations. In the Berean Standard Bible, Revelation 21:20 states, "the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, carnelian; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst." This passage highlights the value and splendor of jacinth as part of the divine architecture.

2. Revelation 9:17 · Jacinth is also mentioned in the context of a vision of the end times. The Apostle John describes the appearance of horses and riders in a vision, saying, "The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur." Here, jacinth is used to describe the color of the breastplates, indicating a deep, rich hue.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical symbolism, jacinth is often associated with beauty, royalty, and divine glory. Its inclusion in the foundation of the New Jerusalem signifies its importance and the eternal beauty of God's kingdom. The stone's rich color is reminiscent of the heavens, suggesting a connection to the divine and the eternal.

Jacinth's mention in Revelation 9:17, in the context of judgment and warfare, may symbolize the majesty and power of God's righteous judgment. The vivid imagery of the vision underscores the awe-inspiring and formidable nature of divine intervention.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient times, jacinth was highly prized for its beauty and rarity. It was often used in jewelry and ornamentation, signifying wealth and status. The stone's deep color made it a favorite among royalty and the elite, further enhancing its association with nobility and divine favor.

The use of jacinth in biblical descriptions reflects the cultural and historical appreciation for precious stones in the ancient Near East. These stones were not only valued for their aesthetic qualities but also for their symbolic meanings, often representing various attributes of God's character and His creation.

Conclusion:

Jacinth, as a precious stone mentioned in the Bible, holds significant symbolic and aesthetic value. Its presence in the descriptions of the New Jerusalem and apocalyptic visions underscores its importance in biblical literature, serving as a testament to the beauty and majesty of God's creation and His eternal kingdom.
Nave's Topical Index
Revelation 9:17
And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 21:20
The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
5192. huakinthos -- hyacinth
... Transliteration: huakinthos Phonetic Spelling: (hoo-ak'-in-thos) Short Definition:
jacinth Definition: jacinth, a precious stone of the color of hyacinth. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5192.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
3958. leshem -- (a precious stone) perhaps amber or jacinth
... 3957, 3958. leshem. 3959 . (a precious stone) perhaps amber or jacinth.
Transliteration: leshem Phonetic Spelling: (leh'-shem) Short Definition: jacinth. ...
/hebrew/3958.htm - 6k
Library

The New Jerusalem.
... of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of precious stone. ... the ninth,
a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

The People of the New Earth
... foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of precious stone. ...
and green, classed by moderns under topaz): the eleventh, a jacinth (a deep ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the new.htm

On Counter Promises.
... sardonyx, and onyx, and chrysolite, and chrysoprase, and jacinth, and amethyst. ... moulded,
and made a living stone, a stone elect and precious, because he ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter xi on counter promises.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as ... were garnished with all manner
of precious stones. ... tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... word of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. ... it
seems to me, they were inlaid with other stones more precious than themselves. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about crystals? | GotQuestions.org

Jacinth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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