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G4664 (σμαράγδινος)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4664
Original Word: σμαράγδινος
Transliteration: smarágdinos
Pronunciation: smar-ag'-dee-nos
Part of Speech: adjective
Category: Creation
Root / Etymology: from G4665 (σμάραγδος);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 679

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 consisting of emerald

emerald

from G4665 (σμάραγδος);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4664: An adjective meaning "emerald-like" or "of emerald," derived from σμάραγδος (emerald). Used in Revelation's throne room vision to describe the rainbow's appearance, suggesting brilliant green radiance. Ancient emeralds symbolized life, renewal, and divine splendor.

U- Unveiling the Word

σμαράγδινος represents the quality or appearance of emerald, one of the most precious gems in ancient times. Its appearance in Revelation's throne room vision, describing the rainbow around God's throne, carries profound theological significance. The emerald's deep green color traditionally symbolized life, growth, and renewal, making its use particularly meaningful in depicting divine glory. Early church fathers often interpreted this emerald-like rainbow as representing God's life-giving nature and His covenant faithfulness. Today, this word continues to enrich our understanding of God's glory and the beauty of heavenly realities.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: σμαράγδινος, smaragdinos, /smar-ag'-dee-nos/
Detailed pronunciation: 'smar' as in "smart," 'ag' as in "tag," 'dee' as in "deed," 'nos' as in "nose"
Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

Root: σμάραγδος (smaragdos) - emerald
Suffix: -ινος (-inos) - adjectival ending indicating "made of" or "like"
From Persian or Semitic origin, possibly related to Sanskrit marakata

D - Defining Meanings

Of emerald
Emerald-like
Having the qualities of emerald
Green like an emerald

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derived from σμάραγδος with adjectival suffix -ινος

Translation Options:

"Emerald-like" - Best captures the descriptive quality
"Of emerald" - Emphasizes material composition
"Emerald-green" - Focuses on color aspect

E - Exploring Similar Words

σμάραγδος (smaragdos) /smar'-ag-dos/ - emerald (the stone itself) See G4665
λίθος (lithos) /lee'-thos/ - stone, precious stone See G3037
χλωρός (chloros) /khlo-ros'/ - green, pale green See G5515

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As an adjective:

Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
Number: Singular, Plural
Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
Declension: Second/First

Examples:

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Masculine: σμαράγδινος (emerald-like)
Feminine: σμαραγδίνη (emerald-like)
Neuter: σμαράγδινον (emerald-like)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to the precious stone emerald. Thayer's notes its descriptive quality in Revelation's vision. LSJ provides examples of its use in describing jewelry and ornaments. Vine's connects it to divine glory manifestation. Strong's traces its Persian/Semitic origins. Moulton and Milligan document its use in commercial contexts. LEH notes its appearance in descriptions of sacred objects.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
"And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald [σμαράγδινος]." Revelation 4:3

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	"The column gleamed emerald-like [σμαράγδινος] in the temple's inner sanctuary."
Theophrastus: On Stones	"The finest specimens display an emerald-like [σμαράγδινος] brilliance."
Strabo: Geography	"The walls were adorned with emerald-like [σμαράγδινος] decorations."

N - Noteworthy Summary

σμαράγδινος beautifully illustrates divine glory through its connection to one of creation's most precious stones. In Revelation's throne room vision, it reveals God's splendor and life-giving nature. This promotes the Gospel by showing us glimpses of heaven's glory and reminding us of God's covenant faithfulness, manifested ultimately in Christ.

D - Did You Know?

Ancient emeralds were often associated with divine healing and renewal.
The word influenced medieval Christian art depicting heavenly scenes.
Early church architecture sometimes incorporated emerald-colored glass in designs representing God's throne room.

Strong's G4664: An adjective describing the emerald-like quality of the rainbow around God's throne in Revelation. Derived from σμάραγδος (emerald), it emphasizes the brilliant green radiance associated with divine glory and life-giving power.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: emerald, precious-stones, revelation, throne-room, divine-glory, rainbow, covenant, jewelry, color-green, heavenly-vision, biblical-greek, new-testament, apocalyptic-literature

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