ὑάλινος (hualinos)
hualinos
glass
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective hualinos describes something made of glass or having a glass-like quality. Derived from hyalos, the word for glass, it appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the book of Revelation. In these visions, John uses the term to convey a sense of clarity and transparency that distinguishes the heavenly realm from earthly materials.
One striking usage occurs in Revelation 4:6, where a sea of glass, like crystal, lies before God’s throne. This image suggests a surface of perfect purity and stillness, reflecting the holiness of the divine presence. The second instance in Revelation 15:2 describes those who have conquered as standing beside a similar sea of glass mixed with fire. Here, the material underscores the majesty and awe-inspiring nature of worship in the heavenly court.
While glass was known in the ancient world, it was rare and expensive, often associated with luxury or divine revelation rather than common utility. By using hualinos, John emphasizes the otherworldly character of these scenes. The transparency implies that nothing is hidden from God, while the solid, reflective surface points to a reality that is both accessible and profoundly sacred.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hualinos describes something made of glass or possessing a glass-like quality. In Revelation, John uses this term to depict the heavenly realm as a place of perfect clarity and transparency. Unlike earthly materials that obscure or decay, this divine substance reflects purity and stillness before God’s throne.
When we encounter images of a sea of glass mixed with fire, it reminds us that God sees all things clearly. Nothing is hidden from Him, yet the scene remains peaceful and holy. This imagery invites believers to trust in a reality where truth is fully revealed and worship flows naturally from a heart aligned with divine holiness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of glass,1×
- of glass1×
- glass1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑαλίνην2×
- ὑαλίνη,1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 4:6
Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.
This verse establishes the baseline image of transparency and purity surrounding God's throne, setting the tone for heavenly worship.
-
Revelation of John 15:2
I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
Here the sea is mixed with fire, linking the clarity of glass with the refining power of divine judgment and victory.