### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **smáragdos**, represented by `{{G4665}}`, is the term for the **emerald**. Its base definition is "the emerald or green gem so called." This specific word appears only **1 time** in the Bible, in a single verse, making its sole usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical occurrence of `{{G4665}}` is in the description of the New Jerusalem. In this context, the **emerald** is named as the **fourth** `{{G5067}}` foundation stone of the city’s wall. The verse explains that the **foundations** `{{G2310}}` of the **wall** `{{G5038}}` of the **city** `{{G4172}}` were **garnished with** `{{G2885}}` **all manner of** `{{G3956}}` **precious** `{{G5093}}` **stones** `{{G3037}}`. The emerald follows jasper, sapphire, and chalcedony in this divine structure [[Revelation 21:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help illuminate the meaning of the emerald's placement:
* `{{G2310}}` **themélios** (foundation): This word refers to the substruction of a building. The emerald is not just a decoration but part of the very **foundation** of the holy city, which is built upon the apostles and prophets [[Ephesians 2:20]].
* `{{G5093}}` **tímios** (precious): This term means valuable, costly, or honored. It describes the nature of the stones, including the emerald, used in God's eternal city, highlighting their immense worth [[Revelation 21:19]]. The same word is used to describe the blood of Christ [[1 Peter 1:19]].
* `{{G2885}}` **kosméō** (adorn, garnish, trim): This word means to put in proper order or decorate. It shows that the foundations were intentionally and beautifully arranged, just as a bride is **adorned** for her husband [[Revelation 21:2]].
* `{{G5067}}` **tétartos** (fourth): This ordinal number specifies the emerald's precise place in the sequence of foundation stones, indicating divine order and design in the construction of the New Jerusalem [[Revelation 21:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4665}}` is derived entirely from its placement in the foundation of the New Jerusalem.
* **Symbol of Divine Value:** As one of the **precious** `{{G5093}}` **stones** `{{G3037}}`, the emerald contributes to the depiction of heaven's immense worth and glory, constructed with materials considered most valuable [[Revelation 21:19]].
* **Part of a Holy Foundation:** The emerald serves as a **foundation** `{{G2310}}` stone, symbolizing the permanence and holy structure of God's eternal kingdom. These foundations are explicitly linked to the twelve apostles of the Lamb [[Revelation 21:14]].
* **Element of Divine Order:** The specific placement of the emerald as the **fourth** `{{G5067}}` stone in a series demonstrates God's perfect order and meticulous design in His new creation. The foundations are **garnished** `{{G2885}}`, showing intentional beauty [[Revelation 21:19]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G4665}}` appears only once, its role is pivotal. As the **emerald**, it is not merely a gem but a foundational component of the New Jerusalem. Its singular mention in [[Revelation 21:19]] portrays it as an integral part of the divinely ordered, precious, and beautiful structure that constitutes the eternal city of God.
TRV