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.
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.
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.
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.
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