Brief Overview of σμαράγδινος (Strong’s G4664: smaragdinos)

Strong’s G4664: An adjective meaning “emerald-like” or “of emerald,” derived from σμάραγδος (emerald). Used in Revelation’s throne room vision to describe the rainbow’s appearance, suggesting brilliant green radiance. Ancient emeralds symbolized life, renewal, and divine splendor.

U- Unveiling the Word

σμαράγδινος represents the quality or appearance of emerald, one of the most precious gems in ancient times. Its appearance in Revelation’s throne room vision, describing the rainbow around God’s throne, carries profound theological significance. The emerald’s deep green color traditionally symbolized life, growth, and renewal, making its use particularly meaningful in depicting divine glory. Early church fathers often interpreted this emerald-like rainbow as representing God’s life-giving nature and His covenant faithfulness. Today, this word continues to enrich our understanding of God’s glory and the beauty of heavenly realities.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σμαράγδινος, smaragdinos, /smar-ag’-dee-nos/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘smar’ as in “smart,” ‘ag’ as in “tag,” ‘dee’ as in “deed,” ‘nos’ as in “nose”
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: σμάραγδος (smaragdos) – emerald
• Suffix: -ινος (-inos) – adjectival ending indicating “made of” or “like”
• From Persian or Semitic origin, possibly related to Sanskrit marakata

D – Defining Meanings

• Of emerald
• Emerald-like
• Having the qualities of emerald
• Green like an emerald

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derived from σμάραγδος with adjectival suffix -ινος

Translation Options:

• “Emerald-like” – Best captures the descriptive quality
• “Of emerald” – Emphasizes material composition
• “Emerald-green” – Focuses on color aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σμάραγδος (smaragdos) /smar’-ag-dos/ – emerald (the stone itself) See G4665
• λίθος (lithos) /lee’-thos/ – stone, precious stone See G3037
• χλωρός (chloros) /khlo-ros’/ – green, pale green See G5515

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

Examples:

• Masculine: σμαράγδινος (emerald-like)
• Feminine: σμαραγδίνη (emerald-like)
• Neuter: σμαράγδινον (emerald-like)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to the precious stone emerald. Thayer’s notes its descriptive quality in Revelation’s vision. LSJ provides examples of its use in describing jewelry and ornaments. Vine’s connects it to divine glory manifestation. Strong’s traces its Persian/Semitic origins. Moulton and Milligan document its use in commercial contexts. LEH notes its appearance in descriptions of sacred objects.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald [σμαράγδινος].” Revelation 4:3

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σμαράγδινος beautifully illustrates divine glory through its connection to one of creation’s most precious stones. In Revelation’s throne room vision, it reveals God’s splendor and life-giving nature. This promotes the Gospel by showing us glimpses of heaven’s glory and reminding us of God’s covenant faithfulness, manifested ultimately in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient emeralds were often associated with divine healing and renewal.
2. The word influenced medieval Christian art depicting heavenly scenes.
3. Early church architecture sometimes incorporated emerald-colored glass in designs representing God’s throne room.

Strong’s G4664: An adjective describing the emerald-like quality of the rainbow around God’s throne in Revelation. Derived from σμάραγδος (emerald), it emphasizes the brilliant green radiance associated with divine glory and life-giving power.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: emerald, precious-stones, revelation, throne-room, divine-glory, rainbow, covenant, jewelry, color-green, heavenly-vision, biblical-greek, new-testament, apocalyptic-literature​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​