σμαράγδινος (smaragdinos)
smaragdinos
emerald
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective smaragdinos describes something made of or resembling an emerald, specifically evoking a vivid green color. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Revelation 4:3, where John sees a figure seated on a throne that shines like jasper and carnelian, with a rainbow encircling it that looks like an emerald.
This single usage highlights the word’s role in painting a visual picture of divine glory. The term does not refer to a gemstone itself but to the quality or color associated with it, emphasizing brightness and preciousness. By linking the heavenly throne to such a rare and striking mineral, the text underscores the majesty and otherworldly nature of God’s presence.
While emeralds were known in the ancient world, their rarity made them symbols of value and beauty. John’s choice of this descriptor helps readers visualize the splendor of the vision, grounding abstract spiritual concepts in tangible, precious imagery that would resonate with his audience’s understanding of wealth and holiness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word smaragdinos appears only once in the New Testament, found in Revelation 4:3. John uses it to describe the rainbow encircling God’s throne as looking like an emerald. This vivid green imagery connects the majesty of heaven with the precious beauty of creation. It reminds us that God’s glory is not just overwhelming power but also radiant beauty.
When we feel overwhelmed by life’s chaos, this image offers a quiet hope. The same God who sits on a throne surrounded by such splendor sees you. His presence is stable and bright, like a gemstone that does not fade. You can trust in His enduring nature even when your circumstances shift.
This single verse invites us to look up. It suggests that the divine realm is filled with color and life, not just abstract light. We are invited to rest in the knowledge that our Creator values beauty and order. May this vision bring you peace and a renewed sense of wonder at who God is.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an emerald.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σμαραγδίνῳ.1×
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 uses smaragdinos to describe the rainbow around the throne, linking God’s covenant faithfulness with the precious, enduring quality of an emerald.