Brief Overview of σάρδιον (Strong’s G4556: sardion)

Strong’s G4556: A precious stone of reddish hue, identified with modern carnelian. Featured as the sixth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, symbolizing divine glory and the sacrificial nature of Christ’s redemption. Historically valued in ancient near eastern culture for jewelry and seals.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σάρδιον represents a precious stone of deep red color, historically prized throughout the ancient world. In the New Testament, it appears in Revelation 21:20 as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. The early church saw profound significance in its blood-red color, connecting it to Christ’s sacrifice and the martyrs’ faithful witness. This symbolism continues to resonate today, reminding believers that the foundations of our eternal home are built upon Christ’s redemptive work and the faithful testimony of His people.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σάρδιον, sardion, /sar’-dee-on/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sar’ as in ‘sardine’, ‘dee’ as in ‘deer’, ‘on’ as in ‘on’
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Derived from Σάρδεις (Sardis), where such stones were commonly found
• Related to Hebrew אדם (odem)
• Suffix -ιον (-ion) indicates diminutive or material nature

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: A reddish precious stone, carnelian
• Secondary meaning: A gem used in religious and royal contexts
• Symbolic meaning: Blood-red stone representing sacrifice and glory

Translation Options:

• Sardius – Traditional biblical translation
• Carnelian – Modern geological identification
• Ruby – Alternative translation emphasizing color

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σάρδινος (sardinos) /sar’-dee-nos/ – Adjectival form of the same stone. See G4555
• ἴασπις (iaspis) /ee’-as-pis/ – Jasper, another foundation stone. See G2393
• χρυσόλιθος (chrusolithos) /khroo-sol’-ee-thos/ – Another foundation stone. See G5555

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σάρδιον
• Genitive: σαρδίου
• Dative: σαρδίῳ
• Accusative: σάρδιον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies σάρδιον as a semi-precious stone of reddish color. Thayer’s connects it to modern carnelian. LSJ documents its use in ancient jewelry and seals. Vine’s emphasizes its significance in Revelation’s New Jerusalem. Strong’s links it to the city of Sardis. Moulton and Milligan note its presence in ancient commercial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Revelation 21:20: “The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius [σάρδιον]; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σάρδιον, as a foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, points to the enduring nature of God’s redemptive work. Its blood-red color reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice, while its placement in the eternal city’s foundation proclaims that the good news of salvation will eternally testify to God’s love and grace.

D – Did You Know?

1. The stone was used in ancient Hebrew high priest’s breastplate
2. Ancient rulers often used sardius for official seals
3. Early Christian symbolism connected it to the blood of martyrs

Strong’s G4556: A precious red stone, identified with modern carnelian, significant in biblical imagery as a foundation stone of the New Jerusalem. Its blood-red color connected it symbolically to Christ’s sacrifice and divine glory in early Christian interpretation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: precious-stones, new-jerusalem, revelation, foundation-stones, carnelian, divine-glory, christ’s-sacrifice, biblical-gems, eternal-city, heavenly-jerusalem​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​