Heavenly Splendor: τοπάζιον (Strong’s G5116: topazion) Adorns New Jerusalem

Strong’s G5116: A noun referring to the topaz gemstone, a precious yellow-green crystal. In biblical context, it appears as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing divine glory and the eternal beauty of God’s dwelling place with His people.

U – Unveiling the Word

τοπάζιον represents more than just a precious stone in its New Testament usage. Appearing in Revelation 21:20, it forms part of the foundation of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the eternal beauty and perfection of God’s dwelling place. In ancient times, topaz was highly valued for its brilliance and durability. The early church understood these precious stones as representing both the glory of God and the diverse beauty of His people united in Christ. Today, it reminds us of the spectacular splendor awaiting believers in the eternal city and the lasting value of our heavenly inheritance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τοπάζιον, topazion, /to.ˈpa.zi.on/
• Detailed Pronunciation: toh-PAH-zee-on (where ‘oh’ is like in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Sanskrit tapas (heat, fire)
• Root: τοπαζ- (topaz-) referring to the gemstone
• Suffix: -ιον (-ion) forming diminutive nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Topaz gemstone
• Yellow-green precious stone
• Foundation stone of the New Jerusalem

For compound words: Not applicable as τοπάζιον is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “topaz” – most common translation
• “chrysolite” – alternative ancient identification
• “peridot” – possible modern equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χρυσόλιθος (chrusolithos) /kʰry.ˈso.li.tʰos/ – chrysolite See G5555
• σάπφειρος (sappheiros) /ˈsap.pʰei.ros/ – sapphire See G4552
• χρυσόπρασος (chrusoprasos) /kʰry.ˈso.pra.sos/ – chrysoprase See G5556

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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

The noun follows these patterns:

• Nominative: τοπάζιον
• Genitive: τοπαζίου
• Dative: τοπαζίῳ
• Accusative: τοπάζιον

Cross-references: No direct verbal or adjectival forms

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide detailed information about τοπάζιον. BDAG identifies it as a yellow-green precious stone. Thayer’s notes its prominence in ancient jewelry. LSJ documents its value in classical culture. Vine’s emphasizes its symbolic significance in Revelation. Strong’s connects it to ancient mining locations. Moulton and Milligan cite commercial documents showing its high value. LEH notes its appearance in the Septuagint’s description of the high priest’s breastplate.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.” Revelation 21:20

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τοπάζιον symbolizes the eternal beauty and value of God’s kingdom. Its placement in the New Jerusalem’s foundation speaks of permanence and glory. This precious stone reminds us that the good news of King Jesus includes the promise of eternal dwelling in His glorious presence. Just as the topaz adorns the heavenly city, believers are being transformed into living stones, reflecting His glory and beauty.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient topaz was often confused with peridot due to similar appearance
• The word comes from Topazios, an island in the Red Sea known for these gems
• Early church fathers saw the nine foundation stones as representing the nine fruits of the Spirit

Strong’s G5116: A noun referring to the topaz gemstone, a yellow-green precious stone. In biblical context, it appears as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing divine glory and the eternal beauty of God’s dwelling place with His people.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: gemstone, new-jerusalem, revelation, precious-stones, foundations, eternal-city, divine-glory, heavenly-beauty, topaz, jewels, apocalypse, symbolism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​