σάρδιον (sardion)
sardion
gem
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sardion refers to a specific type of precious gemstone, identified in ancient sources as sard or carnelian. This reddish-orange mineral was highly valued in the first century for its durability and vivid color, which resembles the hue of human flesh. The word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times within the visionary literature of Revelation.
In these passages, John describes the foundations of the New Jerusalem as being adorned with various jewels. The sardion is listed among them, serving as a marker of beauty and divine order rather than carrying a unique theological metaphor. Its inclusion highlights the richness and glory of the heavenly city, using materials familiar to ancient readers as symbols of permanence and worth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The sardion, often identified as carnelian or sard, is a reddish-orange gemstone prized in antiquity for its durability and warm hue. In the New Testament, this stone appears only twice, both within the visionary descriptions of Revelation. John uses it to depict the foundations of the New Jerusalem, contributing to a picture of a city built on permanence and divine beauty.
Seeing this precious stone listed among the twelve foundations reminds us that God’s kingdom is not fragile or temporary. It is constructed with materials that withstand time, reflecting the enduring nature of His promises. The inclusion of such valuable stones underscores the glory and order present in heaven, offering a tangible symbol of stability for believers.
This imagery invites reflection on the value placed on the heavenly city. Just as these gems were rare and sought after, so too is the inheritance described by John. It suggests that what belongs to God’s eternal realm is of infinite worth, far surpassing earthly treasures. This perspective can bring comfort, knowing that our hope rests in something solid and unchanging.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sardius,1×
- sardius1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σάρδιον,1×
- σαρδίῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 4:3
that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.
This verse compares the appearance of the divine throne to a sardius, linking the stone's vivid color to the radiance of God's presence.
-
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.
Here the sardius is listed as the sixth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, highlighting its role in the city's structural beauty and permanence.