The Greek word sáppheiros, represented by G4552, is a gem known as a "sapphire" or lapis-lazuli. Derived from a Hebrew origin (סַפִּיר), it is a rare term in the New Testament. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, highlighting its specific and singular role in scripture.
The sole appearance of G4552 is found in the description of the New Jerusalem. In this vision, the foundations G2310 of the wall G5038 of the holy city G4172 are described as being garnished with G2885 all manner of precious G5093 stones G3037. Specifically, the second G1208 foundation is identified as sapphire Revelation 21:19.
Several related words illuminate the context of sáppheiros's singular use:
- G2310 themélios (foundation): This word, meaning "something put down, i.e. a substruction," is central to the context. While it literally describes the city's foundations Revelation 21:19, it is also used metaphorically for the sure foundation of God 2 Timothy 2:19 and for Jesus Christ himself 1 Corinthians 3:11.
- G3037 líthos (stone): This general term for "a stone" provides the category for sapphire. The foundations are built with precious G5093 stones 1 Corinthians 3:12. This word also refers to Christ as the chief corner stone Matthew 21:42 and to believers as lively stones 1 Peter 2:5.
- G5093 tímios (precious): This adjective, meaning "valuable... costly, or... honored," qualifies the stones of the foundation, emphasizing the great worth of God's city Revelation 21:19. The term is also applied to the "more precious" trial of faith 1 Peter 1:7 and the precious blood of Christ 1 Peter 1:19.
The theological weight of G4552 is tied exclusively to its place in the New Jerusalem.
- Divine Foundation: The inclusion of sapphire as a foundational stone signifies its role in the permanent and glorious structure of God's eternal dwelling. The wall G5038 of the city is established upon twelve foundations G2310, each one a precious G5093 gem (Revelation 21:14, Revelation 21:19).
- Garnished for Glory: The foundations are explicitly garnished with G2885 these gems, indicating a deliberate act of divine adornment. Just as a bride is adorned G2885 for her husband, the holy city is prepared and made beautiful by God Revelation 21:2.
- Ordered Beauty: The placement of sapphire is not random; it is the second G1208 foundation in a specific sequence that includes jasper G2393 as the first G4413, chalcedony as the third G5154, and emerald as the fourth G5067 Revelation 21:19. This highlights the divine order and intentional design in God's perfect city.
In summary, sáppheiros G4552 is a highly specific term whose entire New Testament significance is derived from its single appearance. As the second foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, this precious G5093 gem contributes to a vision of divine beauty, permanence, and perfect order. It illustrates how even a word used only once can hold immense weight when describing the glorious and eternal city of God Revelation 21:19.
TRV