Brief Overview of σμάραγδος (Strong’s G4665: smaragdos)

Strong’s G4665: A noun referring to emerald, a precious green stone highly valued in ancient times. From Persian/Semitic origin, through Sanskrit marakata. Appears in Revelation’s description of the New Jerusalem, where it forms the fourth foundation stone, symbolizing God’s eternal life-giving nature.

U- Unveiling the Word

σμάραγδος represents one of the most precious gems known to the ancient world, valued for its deep green color and brilliant luster. In the New Testament, its appearance in the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem carries profound theological significance. The emerald’s green color traditionally symbolized life, growth, and eternal vitality, making it a fitting representation of divine life and renewal. Early church fathers often interpreted the emerald’s presence in the heavenly city as symbolizing the eternal life and incorruptible nature of God’s kingdom. Today, it continues to remind us of the enduring beauty and life-giving nature of God’s eternal dwelling place.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σμάραγδος, smaragdos, /smar’-ag-dos/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘smar’ as in “smart,” ‘ag’ as in “tag,” ‘dos’ as in “dose”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine/Feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: From Persian or Semitic origin
• Related to Sanskrit marakata
• Possible connection to Hebrew bareqet
• Basic noun without Greek prefixes or suffixes

D – Defining Meanings

• Emerald (precious stone)
• Green precious stone
• Brilliant green gem

For compound words: Not a compound word, but forms basis for derivative σμαράγδινος

Translation Options:

• “Emerald” – Direct equivalent in modern terminology
• “Green beryl” – More mineralogically specific
• “Green gem” – More general description

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σμαράγδινος (smaragdinos) /smar-ag’-dee-nos/ – emerald-like See G4664
• ἴασπις (iaspis) /ee’-as-pis/ – jasper See G2393
• χρυσόλιθος (chrusolithos) /khroo-sol’-ee-thos/ – chrysolite See G5555

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine (gemstones could be either)
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σμάραγδος (emerald)
• Genitive: σμαράγδου (of emerald)
• Dative: σμαράγδῳ (to/for emerald)
• Accusative: σμάραγδον (emerald as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its status as a precious stone. Thayer’s notes its connection to divine glory. LSJ provides extensive examples of commercial and decorative uses. Vine’s connects it to eternal life symbolism. Strong’s traces its foreign etymology. Moulton and Milligan document its use in jewelry trade. LEH notes its appearance in descriptions of sacred objects.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald [σμάραγδος];” Revelation 21:19

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σμάραγδος beautifully illustrates the eternal nature of God’s kingdom through its enduring beauty and symbolism of life. As part of the New Jerusalem’s foundation, it promotes the Gospel by pointing to the eternal life and incorruptible inheritance promised to believers in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient emeralds were often inscribed with sacred texts and used as amulets.
2. Nero reportedly used a large emerald as a lens through which to watch gladiatorial games.
3. Medieval churches sometimes used emeralds to symbolize paradise regained.

Strong’s G4665: A noun for emerald, one of the most precious stones in antiquity. Used in Revelation to describe the fourth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem. Symbolizes eternal life and divine vitality in ancient and Christian tradition.

Part of speech: Noun (Masculine/Feminine)

Tags: emerald, precious-stones, new-jerusalem, foundations, eternal-life, divine-glory, revelation, jewelry, heaven, symbolism, biblical-greek, new-testament, apocalyptic-literature​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​