σαρδόνυξ
sardónyx
G4557 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A precious stone composed of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (a banded variety of agate); specifically indicating the banded gem valued for its use in jewelry and carving, noted for its distinctive red and white (or brown and white) stripes. In ancient contexts, refers to the sardonyx jewel, prized for its appearance and craftsmanship in items such as signet rings or decorative objects.
Semantic Range
a stone combining layers of sard and onyx; banded precious gem; sardonyx, valued for ornamental use, especially in rings and jewelry
Root / Etymology
Derived from σάρδιος (sard, a reddish-brown stone) and ὄνυξ (onyx, a layered, semi-precious stone). The second element, ὄνυξ, literally means 'claw' or 'nail', a reference to the stone's lustrous, laminated appearance. The compound therefore refers to a stone combining the characteristics of sard and onyx. No Semitic etymology attested; clearly of Greek formation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term σαρδόνυξ occurs rarely in classical Greek literature, but was established in Hellenistic Greek for a specific gemstone highly prized in the ancient world, especially in luxury goods and as a material for seal rings owing to its layered composition, which made it ideal for cameo carving. In the biblical tradition, σαρδόνυξ is listed among the foundational stones of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:20, illustrating wealth and majesty. Ancient Greek lapidaries (stone catalogs), such as those attributed to Theophrastus and Pliny (in Latin), distinguish σαρδόνυξ from both σάρδιος and ὄνυξ, emphasizing its composite visual properties. English translations usually render the term as 'sardonyx', which accurately communicates the gemological meaning but may miss the cultural value ascribed to such stones in Hellenistic and Roman luxury arts. In the LXX and other Jewish writings in Greek, reference to σαρδόνυξ is almost exclusively in lists of precious stones, underscoring its function as a marker of splendor.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of σάρδιος and (the nail of a finger; hence the "onyx" stone); a "sardonyx", i.e. the gem so called:-- sardonyx.
Root Family
σάρδ-, ὀνυξ- (sardónyx) — sard (reddish-brown stone), onyx (banded stone), combining properties
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4557-01 |
σαρδόνυξ | sardonux | N NOM M SG |
sardonyx | sard-onyx gem | sardonyx gem | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4557-01 |
Revelation 21:20 | σαρδόνυξ | sardonux | N NOM M SG |
sardonyx | sard-onyx gem | sardonyx gem |