Brief Overview of ἴασπις (Strong’s G2393: iaspis)

Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the text and its original meanings. The Greek word ἴασπις (iaspis), meaning “jasper,” is particularly significant due to its use in the New Testament to symbolize beauty, value, and divine attributes. This word also holds cultural and historical relevance in ancient Greek and Jewish traditions, making it an essential term for both New Testament interpretation and the study of ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

The Greek Word: ἴασπις, transliterated as iaspis [EE-ahs-pees].
Etymology: The word ἴασπις has its roots in ancient Greek and is believed to be borrowed from a Semitic language, likely Hebrew or Persian, where similar words also denote “jasper.”
Part of Speech: Noun, feminine; third declension.
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Primary Meanings

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Jasper: A precious stone, often used in the Bible to symbolize beauty, value, and divine glory.
Gemstone: A broader term referring to various types of ornamental stones.

Similar Words: λίθος (lithos), which means “stone” or “precious stone” in Greek, is a more general term compared to ἴασπις. While λίθος can refer to any stone, ἴασπις specifically denotes the gemstone jasper, emphasizing its value and beauty.

Further Insights: ἴασπις is a feminine noun of the third declension. It follows a declension pattern common to many Greek nouns of this type. Its usage in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, highlights its symbolic association with divine attributes, such as God’s glory and beauty. Below is the declension of ἴασπις in singular and plural forms:

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	ἴασπις	ιάσπιδες
Genitive	ιάσπιδος	ιάσπιδων
Dative	ιάσπιδι	ιάσπισι(ν)
Accusative	ιάσπιν	ιάσπιδας
Vocative	ἴασπις	ιάσπιδες

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἴασπις refers to a precious stone, likely jasper, known for its various colors and patterns. In the New Testament, it symbolizes divine beauty and splendor, particularly in the descriptions of the heavenly city in Revelation.

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Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon defines ἴασπις as “jasper,” a precious stone of different colors, predominantly green. The word is used in Revelation to depict the brilliance and beauty of the New Jerusalem, emphasizing God’s divine nature.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary discusses ἴασπις in the context of the Book of Revelation. It highlights the word’s association with divine majesty and beauty, underscoring its symbolic meaning beyond its literal reference to a gemstone.

LSJ: The LSJ lexicon lists ἴασπις as a precious stone, particularly jasper, used in jewelry and ornamentation. It is also mentioned in various ancient Greek texts as a valued gemstone, emphasizing its aesthetic appeal and rarity.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists ἴασπις as G2393, identifying it as a noun denoting jasper. It references its occurrences in Revelation, highlighting its use to describe the divine glory and splendor of God’s heavenly throne and the New Jerusalem.

Related Scripture References

Revelation 4:3: “And He who was sitting was like a jasper [ἴασπις] stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.”
Revelation 21:11: “Having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper [ἴασπις].”
Revelation 21:18: “The material of the wall was jasper [ἴασπις]; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.”
Revelation 21:19: “The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper [ἴασπις].”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἴασπις appears in discussions of precious stones and their values, often in the context of wealth, beauty, and ornamentation.

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Theophrastus	On Stones	“The jasper (ἴασπις) is a stone of many colors, used often in jewelry and decoration.”
Pliny	Natural History	“Jasper (ἴασπις) was valued among the Greeks and Romans for its vivid colors and the patterns within it.”
Dioscorides	Materia Medica	“The jasper (ἴασπις) was believed to have medicinal properties, used to treat various ailments.”
Septuagint	Exodus 28:20	“And the fourth row shall be a beryl and an onyx and a jasper (ἴασπις): they shall be set in gold filigree.”
Septuagint	Ezekiel 28:13	“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: ruby, topaz, and diamond; jasper (ἴασπις).”
Septuagint	Isaiah 54:12	“And I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones (ἴασπις).”

Summary of ἴασπις (G2393)

The Greek word ἴασπις (iaspis) represents the gemstone jasper, a symbol of beauty, value, and divine splendor. In the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, ἴασπις is used metaphorically to describe the glory of God and the magnificence of the New Jerusalem. The word’s usage in both biblical and classical texts highlights its cultural significance, denoting both material wealth and spiritual beauty.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The word ἴασπις appears exclusively in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, where it is associated with divine glory and heavenly vision.
Did You Know? Jasper was believed to have protective and healing properties in ancient times, making it a valued gemstone in various cultures, including Greek and Roman societies.

This overview of ἴασπις offers a comprehensive understanding of its significance in both biblical and classical contexts, reflecting its importance as a symbol of beauty, value, and divine attributes.