Definition and Etymology:
Smaragdus is a term used in ancient texts to refer to a precious gemstone, commonly identified with the modern emerald. The word "smaragdus" is derived from the Greek "smaragdos," which itself is believed to have origins in Semitic languages. In biblical contexts, smaragdus is often associated with beauty, value, and divine splendor.

Biblical References:
Smaragdus is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the New Jerusalem and the high priest's breastplate. In Revelation 21:19, the foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem are described with various precious stones, including smaragdus: "The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald" . Here, the term "emerald" is used in the Berean Standard Bible, which corresponds to smaragdus in other translations.

In the Old Testament, the high priest's breastplate, also known as the breastplate of judgment, is adorned with twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. While the specific term "smaragdus" is not used in the Berean Standard Bible, the emerald is listed as one of these stones in Exodus 28:18 and 39:11: "The second row will be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond" . The identification of these stones can vary among translations, but the emerald is traditionally associated with the tribe of Judah.

Symbolism and Significance:
In biblical symbolism, smaragdus or emerald is often associated with renewal, immortality, and eternal life. Its rich green color is reminiscent of lush vegetation and the promise of new life, making it a fitting symbol for the eternal city of God described in Revelation. The use of smaragdus in the high priest's breastplate signifies the beauty and value of God's chosen people, as well as the divine authority and responsibility bestowed upon the priesthood.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In ancient times, smaragdus was highly prized for its vibrant color and rarity. It was mined in regions such as Egypt and was often used in jewelry and ornamentation for royalty and the elite. The gemstone's allure and value made it a fitting metaphor for the splendor and majesty of God's creation and His divine plan.

Theological Implications:
The inclusion of smaragdus in the description of the New Jerusalem and the high priest's breastplate underscores the theme of divine beauty and perfection. It serves as a reminder of the glory and holiness of God's kingdom, as well as the preciousness of His covenant with His people. The imagery of smaragdus in Scripture invites believers to reflect on the eternal promises of God and the hope of redemption and renewal through Christ.

Introduction.
... text margin i. sardion i. lapis sardius i. sardius (m. ruby) i. sardius
or ruby topazion topazius topaz topaz smaragdos smaragdus. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 4.htm

Epistle xvi. To Severus, Bishop of Aquileia .
... Metropolitan, summoned in this letter with his suffragans to Rome, disregarded the
summons, going instead, at the instance of the Exarch Smaragdus, to Ravenna ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xvi to severus bishop.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
A Source Book for Ancient Church History. <. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Smaragdus (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Smaragdus (1 Occurrence). Esther 1:6 white linen,
white cotton, and blue, fastened with cords of fine linen ...
/s/smaragdus.htm - 6k

Smart (2 Occurrences)

/s/smart.htm - 8k

Precious (128 Occurrences)
... fiery red; callaina, pale green, probably turquoise; cyanus, dark blue; and opalus
(opal); ranked in Pliny's time immediately after smaragdus in value. ...
/p/precious.htm - 71k

Stones (244 Occurrences)
... fiery red; callaina, pale green, probably turquoise; cyanus, dark blue; and opalus
(opal); ranked in Pliny's time immediately after smaragdus in value. ...
/s/stones.htm - 74k

Mother-of-pearl (1 Occurrence)
... fastened with cords of fine linen and purple on rings of silver, and pillars of
marble, couches of gold, and of silver, on a pavement of smaragdus, and white ...
/m/mother-of-pearl.htm - 7k

Carbuncle (6 Occurrences)
... smaragdos; Vulgate, smaragdus; Revised Version, marg., "emerald." The Hebrew word
is from a root meaning "to glitter," "lighten," "flash." When held up to the ...
/c/carbuncle.htm - 10k

Smaragd (3 Occurrences)

/s/smaragd.htm - 7k

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