1. Overview

Βήρυλλος (transliterated as Bērullos, pronounced BAY-roo-los) is a Greek noun that refers to the precious stone known as beryl. The word originates from the Sanskrit vaidurya, which passed into Greek through intermediate languages. In its most common usage, bērullos refers to a gemstone that is typically green but can also be found in a variety of other colors, including blue, yellow, and white. The stone is known for its clarity and brilliance, making it a highly valued gem in ancient times.

In the context of the New Testament, bērullos is mentioned specifically in the Book of Revelation, where it is listed as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. The term highlights the precious and valuable nature of the materials used to describe the eschatological vision of the heavenly city.

2. Detailed Description

In the New Testament, bērullos is found in Revelation 21:20, where it is mentioned as one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. Each of these stones is associated with a different color and is part of the symbolic description of the city’s unmatched beauty and divine origin. The beryl stone, being one of these foundations, represents the varied and radiant beauty that characterizes the holy city.

According to BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich), bērullos is identified as a type of precious stone, often green, but sometimes with other hues. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon agrees, noting that beryl is a transparent, precious stone that can come in different colors, though it is most commonly green. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words also identifies bērullos as a precious stone, specifically a variety of emerald. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) adds that bērullos is a transparent gem, sometimes used in jewelry or decoration.

The descriptions from these lexicons emphasize the gem’s beauty, rarity, and value, which is why it is included in the symbolic imagery of Revelation. The use of beryl in this context serves to underscore the splendor and glory of the New Jerusalem, making it a fitting symbol of the city’s divine perfection.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, the term bērullos appears in various works, typically in reference to the gemstone’s value and beauty:

1. Theophrastus, in his treatise On Stones, mentions bērullos as a precious gem that was known for its hardness and brilliance. Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle, was one of the earliest authors to systematically describe different types of minerals and stones, including beryl, which he noted for its clear and vibrant appearance.
2. Pliny the Elder, in his Natural History, describes beryl as a gemstone that is typically green, though he notes that it can come in other colors as well. Pliny’s work, which cataloged much of the natural world known to the Romans, often referenced beryl in the context of luxury and wealth, associating it with other precious stones like emeralds.
3. Dioscorides, in his work De Materia Medica, mentions beryl as a gemstone with purported medicinal properties. Dioscorides was a Greek physician and pharmacologist whose writings were highly influential in both ancient and medieval medicine. He believed that beryl, like many other stones, could have healing effects when used correctly.

These examples from classical literature highlight the widespread recognition of beryl as a valuable and desirable gemstone, esteemed not only for its beauty but also for its supposed healing properties.

4. Summary

Βήρυλλος (Bērullos) is a term used in ancient Greek to describe the precious gemstone beryl. Deriving from Sanskrit and introduced into Greek through intermediate languages, beryl was highly valued for its clarity, brilliance, and variety of colors, especially its green hue. In the New Testament, bērullos is notably mentioned in Revelation 21:20 as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the divine beauty and perfection of the eschatological city.

Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vine’s, and LSJ all describe bērullos as a precious stone, emphasizing its transparent and often green appearance. The use of beryl in the New Testament context highlights the gemstone’s symbolic association with value, beauty, and divine splendor.

In classical Greek literature, bērullos was recognized not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its supposed medicinal properties. Authors like Theophrastus, Pliny the Elder, and Dioscorides all referenced beryl in their works, underscoring its significance in both the natural and cultural worlds of ancient Greece and Rome.

In conclusion, bērullos is a multifaceted term that encapsulates the ancient world’s appreciation for the beauty and value of gemstones. Its inclusion in the New Testament’s description of the New Jerusalem further enhances its symbolic significance, representing the eternal beauty and perfection of the heavenly city.