Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the text and its original meanings. The Greek word ἴασπις (iaspis), meaning “jasper,” is particularly significant due to its use in the New Testament to symbolize beauty, value, and divine attributes. This word also holds cultural and historical relevance in ancient Greek and Jewish traditions, making it an essential term for both New Testament interpretation and the study of ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἴασπις, transliterated as iaspis [EE-ahs-pees].
• Etymology: The word ἴασπις has its roots in ancient Greek and is believed to be borrowed from a Semitic language, likely Hebrew or Persian, where similar words also denote “jasper.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine; third declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Jasper: A precious stone, often used in the Bible to symbolize beauty, value, and divine glory.
• Gemstone: A broader term referring to various types of ornamental stones.

Similar Words: λίθος (lithos), which means “stone” or “precious stone” in Greek, is a more general term compared to ἴασπις. While λίθος can refer to any stone, ἴασπις specifically denotes the gemstone jasper, emphasizing its value and beauty.

Further Insights: ἴασπις is a feminine noun of the third declension. It follows a declension pattern common to many Greek nouns of this type. Its usage in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, highlights its symbolic association with divine attributes, such as God’s glory and beauty. Below is the declension of ἴασπις in singular and plural forms:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἴασπις refers to a precious stone, likely jasper, known for its various colors and patterns. In the New Testament, it symbolizes divine beauty and splendor, particularly in the descriptions of the heavenly city in Revelation.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon defines ἴασπις as “jasper,” a precious stone of different colors, predominantly green. The word is used in Revelation to depict the brilliance and beauty of the New Jerusalem, emphasizing God’s divine nature.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary discusses ἴασπις in the context of the Book of Revelation. It highlights the word’s association with divine majesty and beauty, underscoring its symbolic meaning beyond its literal reference to a gemstone.

LSJ: The LSJ lexicon lists ἴασπις as a precious stone, particularly jasper, used in jewelry and ornamentation. It is also mentioned in various ancient Greek texts as a valued gemstone, emphasizing its aesthetic appeal and rarity.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists ἴασπις as G2393, identifying it as a noun denoting jasper. It references its occurrences in Revelation, highlighting its use to describe the divine glory and splendor of God’s heavenly throne and the New Jerusalem.

Related Scripture References

• Revelation 4:3: “And He who was sitting was like a jasper [ἴασπις] stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.”
• Revelation 21:11: “Having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper [ἴασπις].”
• Revelation 21:18: “The material of the wall was jasper [ἴασπις]; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.”
• Revelation 21:19: “The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper [ἴασπις].”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἴασπις appears in discussions of precious stones and their values, often in the context of wealth, beauty, and ornamentation.

Summary of ἴασπις (G2393)

The Greek word ἴασπις (iaspis) represents the gemstone jasper, a symbol of beauty, value, and divine splendor. In the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, ἴασπις is used metaphorically to describe the glory of God and the magnificence of the New Jerusalem. The word’s usage in both biblical and classical texts highlights its cultural significance, denoting both material wealth and spiritual beauty.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? The word ἴασπις appears exclusively in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, where it is associated with divine glory and heavenly vision.
• Did You Know? Jasper was believed to have protective and healing properties in ancient times, making it a valued gemstone in various cultures, including Greek and Roman societies.

This overview of ἴασπις offers a comprehensive understanding of its significance in both biblical and classical contexts, reflecting its importance as a symbol of beauty, value, and divine attributes.