Divine Transparency: ὕαλος (Strong’s G5194: hyalos) Reveals Heaven’s Perfect Glory

Strong’s G5194: From an uncertain root meaning transparent; glass. In Revelation, describes the material of the New Jerusalem’s wall and street, symbolizing perfect purity and unobstructed vision of divine glory in the eternal state.

U – Unveiling the Word

ὕαλος represents glass in its most pure and transparent form. In ancient times, when most glass was cloudy or colored, perfectly clear glass was both rare and precious. Its appearance in Revelation’s description of the New Jerusalem carries profound theological significance, symbolizing the absolute purity and clarity of heavenly realities. The early church understood this imagery as representing both the perfect transparency of our relationship with God and the unobstructed vision of His glory in eternity. Today, it continues to symbolize the clarity and purity that characterize our eternal dwelling with God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὕαλος, hyalos, /ˈhy.a.los/
• Pronunciation: HOO-ah-los
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: ὑαλ- (hyal-) possibly from Proto-Indo-European
• Suffix: -ος (-os) forming nouns
• Function: Names the substance glass

D – Defining Meanings

• Glass (as material)
• Crystal-clear substance
• Transparent material
• Pure glass

For compound words: Not applicable as ὕαλος is not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Glass” – Direct material reference
• “Crystal” – Emphasizes clarity aspect
• “Pure glass” – Highlights quality aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κρύσταλλος (krystallos, /ˈkrys.tal.los/) – crystal See G2930
• διαφανής (diaphanēs, /di.aˈfa.neːs/) – transparent See G1307
• καθαρός (katharos, /ka.θaˈros/) – pure See G2513

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Second

Examples:

• Nominative: ὕαλος
• Genitive: ὑάλου
• Dative: ὑάλῳ
• Accusative: ὕαλον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich context for understanding ὕαλος. BDAG emphasizes its use in describing heavenly architecture. Thayer’s notes its connection to transparency and purity. LSJ documents its development from ancient glass production. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance in Revelation. Strong’s connects it to the concept of transparency. Moulton and Milligan show its use in commercial contexts. The word particularly represents the highest quality of transparent material, making it ideal for symbolizing heavenly perfection.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Revelation 21:18: “The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass [ὕαλος].”

Additional References:
Revelation 21:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὕαλος beautifully illustrates the perfect clarity and purity of our eternal dwelling with God. In the New Jerusalem, this transparent material symbolizes the unhindered communion we will have with our Lord. The good news shines through as we realize that King Jesus has prepared a place where nothing will obstruct our vision of His glory. This divine transparency represents the perfect relationship and understanding we will enjoy in His presence forever.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient glassmaking was considered a mysterious and sacred art
2. Pure glass was more valuable than gold in some ancient cultures
3. Early church architecture incorporated glass to symbolize heavenly transparency

Strong’s G5194: A noun denoting pure, transparent glass, used in Revelation to describe elements of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing perfect clarity and unobstructed vision of divine glory in the eternal state.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: glass, transparency, purity, New Jerusalem, heavenly architecture, divine glory, eternal state, revelation, apocalyptic imagery, clarity, perfection, divine presence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​