Heavenly Transparency: ὑάλινος (Strong’s G5193: hyalinos) Reveals Divine Glory

Strong’s G5193: From ὕαλος (glass); glassy, transparent as glass. Used in Revelation’s visions to describe the sea before God’s throne and the streets of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing absolute purity, clarity, and the unobstructed presence of divine glory.

U – Unveiling the Word

ὑάλινος describes something with the transparent quality of glass, carrying profound symbolic significance in Revelation’s heavenly visions. In ancient times when most glass was cloudy or colored, perfectly clear glass was rare and precious. In its New Testament context, it describes both the sea before God’s throne and the streets of the New Jerusalem, representing perfect purity and unobstructed vision of divine glory. The early church understood this imagery as symbolizing the perfect clarity with which we will see and know God in eternity. Today, it reminds us of the transparent and unhindered communion we will have with God in our eternal state.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑάλινος, hyalinos, /hyˈa.li.nos/
• Pronunciation: hoo-AH-lee-nos
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: ὑαλ- (hyal-) from ὕαλος meaning “glass”
• Suffix: -ινος (-inos) forming adjectives meaning “made of”
• Function: Describes something having glass-like qualities

D – Defining Meanings

• Glass-like
• Transparent as glass
• Crystal clear
• Pure as glass

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

Translation Options:

• “Glassy” – Best captures both material and appearance
• “Crystal clear” – Emphasizes transparency
• “Glass-like” – Maintains material reference

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαυγής (diaugēs, /diauˈgeːs/) – transparent See G1307
• κρυστάλλιζω (krystallizō, /krysˈtal.li.zoː/) – to shine like crystal See G2929
• λαμπρός (lampros, /lamˈpros/) – bright, clear See G2986

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

Examples:

• Masculine: ὑάλινος
• Feminine: ὑαλίνη
• Neuter: ὑάλινον
• Plural: ὑάλινοι

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources reveal the rich symbolism of ὑάλινος. BDAG emphasizes its connection to pure, transparent glass. Thayer’s notes its use in apocalyptic imagery. LSJ documents its development from describing actual glass to metaphorical clarity. Vine’s highlights its significance in heavenly visions. Strong’s connects it to the concept of transparency. Moulton and Milligan show its use in describing valuable glass items. The word particularly emphasizes perfect transparency, symbolizing unhindered vision of divine glory.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Revelation 4:6: “Before the throne there was a sea of glass [ὑάλινος], like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.”

Additional References:
Revelation 15:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑάλινος powerfully illustrates the perfect clarity and purity of heavenly realities. In Revelation’s visions, it points to the unobstructed presence and vision of God that awaits believers. The good news shines through as we realize that King Jesus has prepared a place where nothing will separate us from the full experience of divine glory. This transparency symbolizes the perfect communion and understanding we will have with God in eternity.

D – Did You Know?

1. Perfectly clear glass was extremely rare and valuable in ancient times
2. The word influenced early Christian architecture’s use of glass
3. Medieval mystics used this term to describe spiritual clarity

Strong’s G5193: An adjective describing perfect transparency like glass, used in Revelation to symbolize the absolute purity and clarity of heavenly realities, particularly in describing the sea before God’s throne and elements of the New Jerusalem.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: glass, transparency, purity, heavenly vision, divine presence, revelation, apocalyptic, New Jerusalem, clarity, divine glory, eternal state, heavenly realm​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​