Understanding βήρυλλος (beryllos) Strong’s G969: The Precious Gemstone that Adorns the Foundations of the New Jerusalem

Pronunciation Guide: bey-ril-los (accent on the first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G969: βήρυλλος (beryllos) refers to a precious gemstone of varying colors, most commonly sea-green or blue-green, that was highly valued in ancient times. It appears in Scripture as the eighth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, symbolizing divine beauty and permanence. As a precious stone mentioned in the description of the heavenly city, it represents one facet of God’s splendor and the enduring glory of the eternal kingdom.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine)
• Origin: Derived from an ancient Semitic word, possibly from Sanskrit/Prakrit “veruliya” or “veluriya”
• Usage Context: Apocalyptic literature, specifically in Revelation’s symbolic description of the heavenly city
• Grammatical Form: Common noun designating a specific type of gemstone
• Primary Usage: Descriptive passages related to divine glory and heavenly architecture

βήρυλλος Morphology:

• βήρυλλος (nominative singular) – beryl
• βηρύλλου (genitive singular) – of beryl
• βηρύλλῳ (dative singular) – with/in beryl
• βήρυλλον (accusative singular) – beryl (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term βήρυλλος has ancient origins, deriving ultimately from the Sanskrit word “veruliya” or “veluriya,” which passed through several languages before entering Greek. The gemstone was well-known throughout the ancient world, mined primarily in India and later in regions of what is now Ethiopia and Upper Egypt. The stone was highly valued for its beauty and rarity.

In classical Greek literature, Theophrastus (372-287 BCE) in his work “On Stones” provides one of the earliest Greek references to the beryl, describing it as similar to emerald but paler in color. In the Septuagint, the stone appears as one of the precious gems in the high priest’s breastplate, though the exact identification of stones varies between Hebrew and Greek terminologies. The Jewish historian Josephus (37-100 CE) mentions the beryl in his “Antiquities of the Jews” when describing the vestments of the high priest, suggesting its continued importance in Jewish religious symbolism.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A semi-precious mineral of the beryl family, typically sea-green to blue-green in color
• A gemstone symbolizing divine glory and permanence in apocalyptic literature
• A precious stone associated with the tribe of Benjamin in some rabbinic traditions
• A material object representing spiritual realities and the splendor of the divine realm

βήρυλλος Translation Options:

• Beryl – The most common and literal translation, maintaining the connection to the specific mineral
• Aquamarine – Appropriate when emphasizing the sea-blue or green-blue variety of beryl
• Chrysolite – Used in some translations, though modern gemology distinguishes this from beryl
• Emerald-like stone – A descriptive option that communicates the appearance without requiring gemological knowledge
• Precious green gemstone – A functional translation that captures the essential meaning for readers unfamiliar with specific gemstone varieties

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, βήρυλλος appears only once, in Revelation 21:20, where it is listed as the eighth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem. This singular appearance is significant as it places the beryl in the context of the eternal city’s foundations, each adorned with a different precious stone. The arrangement of these stones has profound symbolic importance, as they echo the twelve stones of the high priest’s breastplate from Exodus 28:17-20 and Exodus 39:10-13, though with variations that point to the fulfillment and transformation of the old covenant into the new.

In the Septuagint, similar gemstones appear in descriptions of the high priest’s breastplate and in Ezekiel’s vision of the covering of precious stones on the king of Tyre (often interpreted as a reference to Satan before his fall). The beryl’s inclusion in the foundations of the New Jerusalem connects Old Testament priestly symbolism with the eternal reality of God’s presence among His people in the heavenly city.

• “The fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl [βήρυλλος], the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.” Revelation 21:20

Cultural Insights

In ancient times, beryl was not just valued for its beauty but was believed to have protective and healing properties. Roman nobility, including Caesar’s wife Livia, wore beryl amulets as protection against evil and misfortune. Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE) wrote in his “Natural History” that beryl was believed to cure eye diseases and was used to make corrective lenses for the nearsighted. The gemstone was also thought to enhance the wearer’s intelligence and protect against enemies.

The Jewish rabbinic tradition associated specific gemstones with the twelve tribes of Israel. According to some traditions, beryl was connected to the tribe of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. This connection is particularly meaningful in the context of the New Jerusalem, as it symbolizes how God includes all His chosen people in His eternal kingdom, from the greatest to the least. The Talmud mentions that each stone on the high priest’s breastplate not only represented a tribe but also had the ability to light up in particular ways when God was communicating with the high priest, serving as a form of divine oracle.

Theological Significance

The appearance of βήρυλλος as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem carries profound theological significance. The foundation stones represent the twelve apostles (Revelation 21:14), suggesting that the beryl, as the eighth stone, may symbolize the apostolic ministry and teaching that undergirds the Church of the Messiah Jesus. The number eight in biblical numerology often represents new beginnings and resurrection, pointing to the new creation established by the Messiah’s redemptive work.

The varied colors and properties of these gemstones collectively represent the multifaceted nature of God’s character and the diverse ways His glory is manifested through His people. Just as the beryl’s typical sea-green color reflects aspects of creation (the sea) and life (green vegetation), it reminds us that God’s redemptive plan extends to the renewal of all creation. The beryl’s enduring quality also speaks to the permanence of God’s kingdom – unlike earthly cities with foundations that crumble, the New Jerusalem’s foundations are eternally beautiful and unshakeable.

The positioning of βήρυλλος in the architectural description of the heavenly city reinforces the theme throughout Scripture that יהוה (Yahweh) is preparing an eternal dwelling place for His people. The careful selection and arrangement of these precious stones indicates the meticulous care and love with which God prepares for the eternal communion with His people. Every detail of our eternal home has been thoughtfully designed by our Creator, reflecting His majesty and His intimate knowledge of what brings us delight.

Personal Application

When we contemplate the βήρυλλος in the foundation of the New Jerusalem, we are reminded that we are building our lives on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with the Messiah Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). Just as each gemstone in the heavenly city is unique yet contributes to the overall beauty and structure, we too have been given unique gifts and callings that contribute to the building of God’s kingdom.

The enduring nature of the beryl challenges us to invest in eternal realities rather than temporary pleasures or accomplishments. In a world where so much seems impermanent and fleeting, the βήρυλλος in the foundation of the New Jerusalem reminds us to build our lives on what will last forever – faith, hope, and love. When we align our priorities with God’s eternal purposes, we participate in the construction of something far more beautiful and lasting than any earthly achievement or possession.

Related Words

• λίθος τίμιος (lithos timios) – precious stone – A broader category that includes βήρυλλος and other valuable gemstones, emphasizing the value and worth God places on His people and His creation. See G5093
• σμάραγδος (smaragdos) – emerald – Another green precious stone mentioned in Revelation, closely related to beryl in the modern gemological classification, representing God’s abundant life and provision. See G4665
• χρυσόλιθος (chrysolithos) – chrysolite – The seventh foundation stone mentioned alongside βήρυλλος in Revelation 21:20, with a golden-yellow appearance that complements beryl’s green, symbolizing divine glory and majesty. See G5555
• χρυσόπρασος (chrysoprasos) – chrysoprase – The tenth foundation stone, a green variety of chalcedony, similar in color to some varieties of beryl but distinct in mineral composition. See G5556
• θεμέλιος (themelios) – foundation – The architectural element where βήρυλλος is placed in the New Jerusalem, emphasizing the fundamental and supporting role of apostolic teaching in the kingdom of God. See G2310

Did you Know?

• Did you know that modern aquamarine is actually a variety of beryl? The same mineral family that gives us βήρυλλος also produces emerald, with the different colors resulting from various trace elements in the crystal structure. This diversity within unity mirrors how the body of the Messiah contains many different members with various gifts, yet all are part of the same spiritual family. The chemical consistency of beryl, coupled with its visual diversity, beautifully illustrates how God creates unity that doesn’t demand uniformity.
• Did you know that ancient beryl rings were sometimes used as seals by Roman officials and wealthy merchants? The hardness of the stone made it ideal for engraving with insignias or personal symbols that would be pressed into wax to authenticate documents and secure communications. This historical practice gives added depth to the appearance of βήρυλλος in the New Jerusalem—it’s not just decorative but may suggest the city bears the authentic seal and authority of God Himself, marked with His character and ownership.
• Did you know that early Jewish mystical traditions associated the beryl with the ability to see visions of the divine realm? In later rabbinic literature, some commentators connected beryl with the Urim and Thummim, the mysterious objects used by the high priest to discern God’s will. This connection between βήρυλλος and spiritual sight adds a fascinating dimension to its appearance in the New Jerusalem—perhaps suggesting that in our eternal home, our spiritual perception will be perfected, and we will see God face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Remember This

The βήρυλλος in the New Jerusalem’s foundation reminds us that God’s eternal kingdom is built on the unshakeable truth of His Word, adorned with His multifaceted glory, and prepared with meticulous care for those who love Him.