Pronunciation Guide: ah-meh-thoo-stos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G271: ἀμέθυστος refers to the amethyst gemstone, a purple or violet variety of quartz. The word literally means “not drunken” from ἀ- (a-, “not”) and μεθύσκω (methysko, “to intoxicate”). In ancient times, this precious stone was believed to prevent intoxication and promote sobriety, both literally and spiritually.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)
• Root Components: ἀ- (negative prefix) + μέθυ (wine/intoxicant)
• Language Origin: Ancient Greek
• Primary Usage: Material description, symbolic representation
• Context: Found in lists of precious stones, particularly in apocalyptic literature

ἀμέθυστος Morphology:

• ἀμέθυστος (nominative singular) – amethyst
• ἀμεθύστου (genitive singular) – of amethyst
• ἀμεθύστῳ (dative singular) – with/by amethyst
• ἀμέθυστον (accusative singular) – amethyst (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἀμέθυστος has a fascinating etymology rooted in ancient Greek culture. Pliny the Elder, in his “Natural History” (Book 37, Chapter 40), describes the stone’s supposed power to prevent drunkenness, explaining that it was often carved into drinking vessels. This association gave rise to its name, combining the Greek prefix ἀ- (“not”) with μέθυστος (“intoxicated”).

In classical Greek literature, Theophrastus, in his treatise “On Stones,” describes the amethyst as one of the most valuable gems, noting its wine-purple color and its use in seal stones and ornamental pieces. The stone maintained significant cultural importance throughout the Hellenistic period, eventually finding its way into Jewish and Christian symbolic traditions.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A purple or violet variety of quartz crystal
• A precious stone believed to possess protective properties
• A symbol of sobriety and clear-mindedness
• A representation of divine protection and spiritual alertness

ἀμέθυστος Translation Options:

• Amethyst – Most precise translation, maintained across most English versions
• Purple Quartz – Technical mineralogical description
• Wine-Stone – Literary translation capturing etymological meaning
• Violet Gem – Descriptive translation emphasizing color

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀμέθυστος appears only once, in Revelation 21:20, where it is listed as the twelfth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem. This singular usage carries profound symbolic weight, as the number twelve in biblical numerology often represents divine governance and completion.

The stone’s placement in the foundations of the New Jerusalem suggests its role in representing spiritual sobriety, clarity, and protection in the eternal city. The Septuagint also includes references to similar precious stones in descriptions of the high priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28:19) and in prophetic visions of heavenly splendor.

• “The twelfth [ἀμέθυστος] amethyst.” Revelation 21:20

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish tradition, each tribe of Israel was associated with a particular gemstone, and some rabbinic sources connect the amethyst with the tribe of Gad. The stone’s purple color, historically associated with royalty and priesthood, added layers of meaning to its use in sacred contexts.

The amethyst’s reputation as a stone of sobriety and clear-mindedness aligned well with biblical teachings on spiritual alertness and self-control. In the ancient Near East, purple dye was extremely valuable and often reserved for royalty and religious purposes, making the amethyst’s natural purple color particularly significant in biblical symbolism.

Theological Significance

The appearance of ἀμέθυστος in the foundation of the New Jerusalem points to the perfect sobriety and clarity that will characterize life in God’s eternal presence. Its connection to protection from intoxication symbolizes the spiritual alertness and self-control that characterize those who walk closely with the Lord.

The stone’s purple color, reminiscent of royalty, suggests the kingly authority of the Messiah and the royal priesthood of believers in Him. This dual symbolism of protection and authority beautifully illustrates how Yahweh both guards and elevates His people.

Personal Application

In our modern context, the symbolism of ἀμέθυστος reminds us of the importance of maintaining spiritual sobriety and alertness in a world full of intoxicating influences. Just as the ancient amethyst was believed to protect against physical drunkenness, our faith in the Messiah protects us from spiritual intoxication by worldly philosophies and deceptions.

The stone’s presence in the New Jerusalem’s foundation encourages us to build our lives on the firm foundation of God’s truth, remaining clear-minded and vigilant in our spiritual walk.

Related Words

• νήφω (nepho) – to be sober, vigilant, clear-minded See G3525
• γρηγορέω (gregoreo) – to watch, be alert, stay awake See G1127
• λίθος (lithos) – stone, precious stone See G3037
• σωφρονέω (sophroneo) – to be of sound mind, self-controlled See G4993

Did you Know?

• The word amethyst comes from the Greek word ἀμέθυστος, which literally means “not drunken.” Ancient Greeks and Romans commonly made drinking vessels from amethyst in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.
• In medieval Europe, soldiers often wore amethyst amulets as protection against injury in battle, believing the stone’s sobering properties would help them remain clear-headed in combat.
• The purple color of amethyst was so valued in ancient times that it was considered equal in worth to ruby and emerald. Only after large deposits were discovered in Brazil in the 19th century did it become more affordable.

Remember This

The amethyst in the New Jerusalem’s foundation reminds us that in God’s eternal kingdom, we will experience perfect clarity of mind and spirit, forever protected from all that would intoxicate or deceive.