### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term σμάραγδος (smáragdos), Strong's `{{G4665}}`, refers specifically to the "emerald," a highly prized green gemstone. Its derivation is noted as uncertain, meaning its etymological roots are not definitively traced, but its semantic meaning as the emerald is fixed and unambiguous in ancient Greek literature and the New Testament. The semantic range of smáragdos is therefore quite narrow, exclusively denoting this particular precious stone characterized by its vibrant green color.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word smáragdos appears twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within the apocalyptic visions of the book of Revelation, where precious stones play a significant symbolic role in depicting divine glory and the new creation.
1. **[[Revelation 4:3]]**: "And He who sat there was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance."
* Here, the emerald's appearance is used to describe the divine glory surrounding God's throne. The "rainbow" (ἶρις, iris) encircling the throne is likened to an emerald, suggesting a brilliant, serene, and possibly life-giving green hue. This imagery contributes to the awe-inspiring and majestic portrayal of God's presence, emphasizing His splendor and perhaps the tranquility or verdancy associated with His divine realm. The green could symbolize life, freshness, or the beauty of creation emanating from the Creator.
2. **[[Revelation 21:19]]**: "The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald..."
* In this passage, the emerald is listed as the fourth of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. Each stone contributes to the city's radiant beauty and divine construction. As a foundation stone, the emerald signifies the preciousness, stability, and divine origin of the eternal city. The inclusion of the emerald among these foundational gems underscores the unparalleled value and divine artistry of the redeemed creation, built upon the apostles' teaching and Christ, the chief cornerstone.
In both contexts, the smáragdos contributes to a visual tapestry of divine majesty, purity, and the glorious reality of God's presence and His eternal dwelling place.
### Related Words & Concepts
The smáragdos is often mentioned alongside other precious stones in the biblical text, particularly in Revelation. These include:
* ἴασπις (iaspis, jasper, `{{G2393}}`)
* σάρδιον (sardion, sardius, `{{G4556}}`)
* σάπφειρος (sappheiros, sapphire, `{{G4558}}`)
* χαλκηδών (chalkedon, chalcedony, `{{G5472}}`)
* σαρδόνυξ (sardonyx, `{{G4557}}`)
* σάρδιος (sardios, carnelian, `{{G4556}}`)
* χρυσόλιθος (chrysolithos, chrysolite, `{{G5555}}`)
* βήρυλλος (beryllos, beryl, `{{G969}}`)
* τοπάζιον (topazion, topaz, `{{G5177}}`)
* χρυσόπρασος (chrysoprasos, chrysoprase, `{{G5556}}`)
* ὑάκινθος (hyakinthos, jacinth, `{{G5245}}`)
* ἀμέθυστος (amethystos, amethyst, `{{G273}}`)
These terms collectively emphasize the concepts of:
* **Glory and Radiance:** The inherent property of precious stones to reflect light and shine brilliantly, symbolizing divine glory (δόξα, doxa, `{{G1391}}`) and purity.
* **Beauty and Perfection:** The aesthetic appeal of these gems points to the consummate beauty and perfection of God's creation and His eternal dwelling.
* **Foundations and Security:** In the context of the New Jerusalem, the stones serve as θεμέλιος (themelios, foundation, `{{G2310}}`), signifying the unshakeable security and divine establishment of the city.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The use of precious stones in Revelation echoes the twelve stones on the high priestly breastplate (e.g., Exodus 28, 39), where each stone represented a tribe of Israel. While the exact Hebrew equivalents for "emerald" are debated (possibly בָּרֶקֶת, bareqeth, `{{H1304}}` or נֹפֶךְ, nophek, `{{H5291}}`), this continuity highlights the enduring biblical theme of God's covenant relationship with His people and the sacredness of His presence, often adorned with precious gems.
### Theological Significance
The smáragdos, or emerald, holds profound theological significance within the apocalyptic vision of Revelation:
1. **Divine Majesty and Presence**: In [[Revelation 4:3]], the emerald's association with the rainbow around God's throne underscores the unparalleled majesty and awe-inspiring nature of God. The green hue may symbolize the vibrancy of divine life, the freshness of God's creative power, or the verdant beauty of His transcendent realm. It speaks to a serene yet powerful aspect of God's glory, inviting reverence and worship.
2. **The New Creation and Redemption**: As one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem in [[Revelation 21:19]], the emerald signifies the preciousness, stability, and divine artistry of the redeemed creation. The twelve stones collectively represent the twelve apostles and, by extension, the entire people of God (both Old and New Covenant believers) built upon the enduring foundation of Christ and His apostolic witnesses. The emerald's green color, traditionally associated with life, growth, and renewal, could symbolize the eternal life, flourishing, and restoration that characterize the new heavens and new earth. It points to the ultimate state of blessedness and the perfection of God's work of redemption.
3. **Purity and Light**: Like all precious stones, the smáragdos is inherently pure and reflects light. This quality symbolizes the unblemished holiness of God and the radiant truth that emanates from Him. The New Jerusalem, adorned with these stones, is therefore a city of pure light, reflecting the glory of God (cf. [[Revelation 21:23]]).
4. **Continuity of Sacred Symbolism**: The inclusion of the emerald within the list of precious stones for the New Jerusalem connects the eschatological vision with earlier biblical traditions, particularly the high priestly breastplate. This continuity suggests that God's plan for His people, represented by these precious adornments, is eternal and culminates in the glorious reality of the New Jerusalem, where His presence fully dwells among His redeemed.
### Summary
The Greek word σμάραγδος (smáragdos, `{{G4665}}`) refers to the emerald, a specific green precious stone. Its two occurrences in the book of Revelation are highly symbolic. In [[Revelation 4:3]], the emerald's appearance around God's throne contributes to the portrayal of divine glory, majesty, and perhaps the life-giving serenity of God's presence. In [[Revelation 21:19]], as the fourth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, it symbolizes the preciousness, stability, and divine beauty of the redeemed eternal city. The smáragdos thus points to God's radiant holiness, the vibrant life emanating from His presence, and the glorious, secure reality of His eternal dwelling with His people in the new creation. Its use aligns with broader biblical themes of sacred beauty, divine presence, and the ultimate perfection of God's redemptive plan.
TRV