### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term μάρμαρος (mármaros), Strong's `{{G3139}}`, denotes "marble." Its etymological root stems from a verb meaning "to glisten" or "to sparkle," inherently linking the stone to its characteristic luminous quality. This suggests that the ancient perception of marble was not merely as a hard stone, but specifically one that reflects light, often appearing sparkling white or translucent. The base definition "marble (as sparkling white)" precisely captures this primary aesthetic and physical property. The semantic range of μάρμαρος is quite narrow, referring exclusively to this specific type of metamorphic rock, prized for its beauty, durability, and polishable surface.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μάρμαρος appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 18:12]]**: "the merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and **marble**."
In this sole occurrence, μάρμαρος is listed among an extensive catalog of luxurious and valuable commodities that constitute the merchandise of "Babylon the Great." This passage describes the immense wealth and opulent extravagance of a powerful, corrupt worldly system, whose downfall is being lamented by the merchants of the earth. The inclusion of marble alongside gold (`{{G5557}}`), silver (`{{G696}}`), precious stones (`{{G3037}}`), pearls (`{{G3135}}`), fine textiles, and rare woods, underscores its status as a highly esteemed and costly material. In this context, marble contributes to the vivid portrayal of Babylon's excessive earthly splendor and material idolatry, which are ultimately judged by God. It signifies not just wealth, but a particular kind of grandiose, unholy luxury.
### Related Words & Concepts
μάρμαρος is intrinsically linked to several broader concepts and specific terms:
* **Materials of Value:** Its placement in [[Revelation 18:12]] alongside gold, silver, and precious stones immediately connects it to the concept of immense material wealth and luxury. Other materials in this list include rare woods, ivory (`{{G1661}}`), brass (`{{G5475}}`), and iron (`{{G1383}}`), all denoting high value or utility.
* **Building Materials:** While not explicitly used for building in the [[Revelation 18:12]] context, marble is historically renowned as a premier architectural material for grand structures, temples, and palaces. This association evokes ideas of human achievement, monumental construction, and earthly power.
* **Brightness and Purity:** The etymological root "to glisten" or "sparkle" connects μάρμαρος to concepts of light, whiteness, and purity (e.g., `{{G3037}}` *leukos* for white). However, in the Revelation passage, this inherent splendor is ironically tied to a corrupt system, suggesting a perversion of beauty.
* **Stone:** As a specific type of stone, μάρμαρος falls under the broader category of "stone" (`{{G3037}}` *lithos*), yet it stands out due to its unique aesthetic and value.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of μάρμαρος in the New Testament carries profound theological weight, primarily within the eschatological framework of Revelation:
* **Symbol of Earthly Riches and Pride:** In [[Revelation 18:12]], marble functions as a potent symbol of the vast, accumulated wealth and ostentatious luxury that characterize "Babylon the Great." This wealth is not presented as a blessing but as an emblem of human pride, self-sufficiency, and a system opposed to God's reign. The beauty and durability of marble, when amassed by a corrupt power, highlight the allure of worldly possessions that can lead to spiritual decay.
* **Transience of Worldly Glory:** The divine judgment pronounced upon Babylon underscores the ultimate transience and futility of all earthly splendor and material accumulation. Even materials as enduring and beautiful as marble, when part of a system destined for destruction, will perish. This serves as a stark reminder that true and lasting value resides not in material possessions but in spiritual realities.
* **Contrast with Heavenly Materials:** The earthly grandeur represented by μάρμαρος and other precious materials of Babylon stands in stark contrast to the descriptions of the New Jerusalem. The heavenly city is adorned with materials of even greater, incorruptible splendor—pure gold like transparent glass, foundations of every kind of precious stone, and gates of single pearls ([[Revelation 21:18-21]]). This contrast implicitly elevates God's ultimate, pure, and eternal glory above the temporary, corrupted magnificence of the fallen world.
* **Human Achievement vs. Divine Creation:** Marble, a product of human quarrying, shaping, and artistry, in the context of Babylon, represents human achievement and pride that often operates independently of or in defiance of divine will. Its inclusion in the list of condemned merchandise underscores the spiritual danger of placing ultimate value on human-made and earthly treasures.
### Summary
The Greek term μάρμαρος (mármaros), Strong's `{{G3139}}`, refers to marble, a stone distinguished by its glistening, often sparkling white appearance. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Revelation 18:12]] places it among the most luxurious and valuable commodities associated with "Babylon the Great." Contextually, μάρμαρος vividly portrays the immense material wealth and opulent pride of this worldly system, which is depicted as corrupt and ultimately destined for divine judgment. Theologically, it serves as a powerful symbol of transient earthly riches and glory, contrasting sharply with the eternal and incorruptible splendor of God's heavenly kingdom. The inclusion of μάρμαρος in the catalog of condemned merchandise highlights the spiritual peril of material accumulation and ostentation when detached from divine purpose, emphasizing that all earthly grandeur will ultimately face God's righteous reckoning.
TRV