βήρυλλος (bērullos)
bērullos
beryl
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun bērullos refers to beryl, a precious gemstone characterized by its pale or sea-green hue. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Revelation 21:20, where it is listed among the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem.
Its usage connects directly to the Old Testament tradition, where similar stones adorned the high priest’s breastplate and described the foundations of the heavenly city in Jewish apocalyptic literature. The specific shade of green suggests clarity and beauty, fitting for a description of eternal glory rather than earthly wealth.
Translators consistently render this term as "beryl" to preserve its distinct identity from other gems like emerald or jade. By placing it among the foundational elements of the holy city, the text emphasizes the enduring and precious nature of the divine dwelling place.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bērullos appears just once in the New Testament, found in Revelation 21:20 as one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. This single mention places a precious gemstone at the very base of God’s eternal city, suggesting that beauty and value are woven into the structure of heaven itself.
When we read about this sea-green stone, it reminds us that God’s dwelling place is not just holy, but also breathtakingly beautiful. The use of such specific materials shows that God cares about the details of creation and redemption. It invites us to look forward with hope, knowing that our future home is prepared with care and adorned with glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- beryl,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βήρυλλος,1×
Key Verses
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Revelation of John 21:20
the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
This verse lists beryl as the eighth foundation stone, highlighting its role in the structural beauty of the New Jerusalem.