Precious Stones: χαλκηδών (Strong’s G5472: chalkedōn) Reveals Heaven’s Glory

Strong’s G5472: A precious gem, likely a form of chalcedony, featured in the foundations of the New Jerusalem. This translucent to opaque variety of quartz appears green-blue to copper-colored, symbolizing divine glory and eternal beauty in Revelation’s apocalyptic vision.

U – Unveiling the Word

Chalkedōn represents a precious stone used in the foundation of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing eternal beauty and divine perfection. This gem, likely a form of chalcedony, exhibits a distinctive copper-like sheen with varying translucency. Its inclusion among the twelve foundation stones of the heavenly city emphasizes both material splendor and spiritual significance. Early church fathers interpreted these foundation stones as representing the apostles’ virtues and teachings. Today, this symbolism reminds believers that the Messiah builds His church on an unshakeable foundation, adorned with eternal glory.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χαλκηδών, chalkedōn, /kælˈkiːdɒn/
• Pronunciation: khal-kay-DOHN
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• χαλκ- (chalk-) – root relating to copper or bronze
• -ηδών (-ēdōn) – noun-forming suffix indicating likeness or quality

D – Defining Meanings

• A precious stone with copper-like luster
• A translucent to opaque variety of quartz
• A gem specifically used in New Jerusalem’s foundation

For compound words:
The root χαλκ- suggests a copper-like quality, while the suffix -ηδών indicates the stone’s nature or appearance

Translation Options:

• Chalcedony – most precise translation maintaining the gem’s specific identity
• Copper-stone – emphasizing its metallic appearance
• Agate – alternative translation highlighting its quartz family connection

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σάπφειρος (sappheiros) /ˈsæfaɪrɒs/ – another precious stone, specifically sapphire – See G4552
• χρυσόλιθος (chrusolithos) /kruˈsɒlɪθɒs/ – golden stone – See G5555

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Third

The word would decline following third declension patterns. For example:

• Nominative: χαλκηδών
• Genitive: χαλκηδόνος
• Dative: χαλκηδόνι
• Accusative: χαλκηδόνα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Ancient lexicons consistently identify chalkedōn as a precious stone valued for its copper-like luster. BDAG describes it as a translucent or opaque variety of quartz, while Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to Chalcedon, a city in Asia Minor known for gem trading. LSJ notes its appearance in classical literature describing precious stones. Vine’s connects it to modern chalcedony, though ancient varieties might differ slightly. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in commercial documents, suggesting it was a valued trade commodity in the first century.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The third foundation was chalcedony [χαλκηδών]. Revelation 21:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The χαλκηδών stands as a testament to the Messiah’s attention to detail in preparing our eternal dwelling. Its inclusion in the New Jerusalem’s foundation reveals how our Lord uses physical beauty to reflect spiritual truth. Just as this gem exhibits both opacity and translucency, our current understanding of heavenly things may be partial, but we trust in the full revelation to come. This precious stone reminds us that in the Messiah’s kingdom, every detail serves His glory and our eternal joy.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient chalcedony was often used in seal rings for important documents
• The stone’s name likely derives from Chalcedon, an ancient city near modern Istanbul
• Medieval Christians believed chalcedony promoted peaceful speech and dispelled illusions

Strong’s G5472: A precious gem, likely a form of chalcedony, featured in the foundations of the New Jerusalem. This translucent to opaque variety of quartz appears green-blue to copper-colored, symbolizing divine glory and eternal beauty in Revelation’s apocalyptic vision.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: precious-stones, revelation, new-jerusalem, gemstones, foundation-stones, apocalyptic-symbols, heavenly-city, eternal-glory​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​