σμαράγδινος

smarágdinos

G4664 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Composed of or resembling an emerald; made of emerald or having the appearance or color characteristic of emerald. In context, denotes something constructed from the precious stone emerald, or something described as 'emerald-like' due to its vivid green color or sheen.

Semantic Range

made of emerald, composed of emerald, emerald-colored, shining green, resembling emerald

Root / Etymology

From σμάραγδος (smáragdos), meaning 'emerald', with the adjectival suffix -ινος denoting 'made of' or 'pertaining to'. The term thus means 'made of emerald' or 'emerald-colored'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The adjective σμαράγδινος appears in Koine Greek literature, most notably in apocalyptic and visionary contexts (e.g., in Revelation 4:3, referring to a rainbow with an appearance 'like an emerald'). In classical Greek, the noun σμάραγδος is already in use for the gemstone recognized for its rich green color, while the adjective form similarly denotes material composition or resemblance. Koine usage maintains this sense but often emphasizes visual appearance (color, radiance) as much as material origin. Standard English translations routinely render this as 'emerald' or 'emerald-like', which often preserves the imagery but may not explicitly distinguish between literal material (made of emerald) and metaphorical (emerald in appearance). The -ινος suffix is productive for denoting substances or resemblances (cf. χρυσίνος—'golden', λιθίνος—'of stone'). The term carries no specific symbolic or religious connotation apart from the value, beauty, or color of the gemstone itself; any symbolic import derives from broader cultural associations with emerald green.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σμάραγδος; consisting of emerald:--emerald.

Root Family

σμαραγδ- (smarágdinos) — emerald, precious green stone, relating to emerald

Root σμαραγδ- emerald, precious green stone, relating to emerald

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4664-01 σμαραγδίνῳ smaragdino ADJ.S DAT M SG an emerald to an emerald-like one to an emerald-like one 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4664-01 Revelation 4:3 σμαραγδίνῳ smaragdino ADJ.S DAT M SG an emerald to an emerald-like one to an emerald-like one