κρυσταλλίζω (krustallizō)
krustallizō
be clear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb krustallizō describes a quality of shining with crystalline brightness and transparency. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 21:11, where John sees the holy city descending from heaven. The text uses this rare word to convey that the city’s glory is as clear and radiant as crystal.
Its meaning derives directly from the noun for crystal or rock crystal (krystallos). By choosing this specific verb, the author emphasizes not just light, but a pure, unclouded clarity. It suggests a visibility so perfect that nothing obscures the divine nature of what is seen.
This single usage highlights how visual metaphors function in apocalyptic literature. The city is not merely bright; it possesses a structural clarity that reflects God’s presence without distortion. Translators typically render this as "shining with the glory of God," capturing the essence of its crystal-like radiance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we look at the world around us, it is easy to feel that things are cloudy or unclear. The future can seem foggy, and our own understanding often feels incomplete. Yet this rare word reminds us of a different reality. It describes something shining with crystalline brightness and transparency. In Revelation 21:11, the holy city descends from heaven with a light that is clear as crystal. This image suggests that God’s presence is not hidden or distorted, but perfectly visible.
This clarity offers hope for those who seek truth. It means that in God’s kingdom, there is no confusion or obscurity. The glory of God shines through without any barrier. For your daily life, this invites you to trust that God’s purposes are clear even when circumstances seem uncertain. You can rest in the assurance that His nature is pure and unclouded.
May this vision of crystal-clear light bring peace to your heart. Let it encourage you to look for the clarity of God’s love in your own journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being clear as crystal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κρυσταλλίζοντι1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 21:11
having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
This verse uses the word to describe the holy city's light, emphasizing its perfect transparency and lack of distortion as it reflects God's glory.