τοπάζιον
topázion
G5116 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A precious stone, typically understood as topaz or a yellow-green gem, though its precise identification in antiquity is debated. In ancient Greek texts, often refers to a valuable yellow or golden-green gem, associated with brilliance and rarity. In the biblical context, denotes a gemstone among those set in priestly garments or as part of symbolic listings of precious stones.
Semantic Range
a yellow or yellow-green precious stone, topaz (in ancient context, probably peridot/chrysolite); valuable gem, one of the biblical gemstones; rarely used as a symbol of brilliance or value
Root / Etymology
Borrowed from earlier Greek τοπάζιον (topázion), which in turn is likely related to the name of the island Topazos (later St. John's Island or Zabargad) in the Red Sea, believed by ancient sources to be the origin of the stone. The word's deeper origins are uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
τοπάζιον appears primarily in lists of precious stones in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible (LXX) and in Revelation. Ancient identifications differ from modern gemological use: τοπάζιον referred to a yellow-green stone favored in antiquity, now often thought to be a chrysolite or peridot rather than modern topaz. Ancient Greek sources (such as Theophrastus and Pliny the Elder) describe τοπάζιον/geologically different stones, so translation as 'topaz' may mislead modern readers. The term is rare in secular Greek, mostly in medical or lapidary contexts. In the LXX and New Testament (Revelation), τοπάζιον occurs in enumeration of gemstones, such as those on the high priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28:17) or the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20), but which exact stone is referenced is debated. English translations traditionally render τοπάζιον as 'topaz,' but this does not correspond exactly to the ancient Mediterranean stone of that name.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a presumed derivative (alternately) of (a "topaz"; of uncertain origin); a gem, probably the chrysolite:--topaz.
Root Family
τοπάζιον (topazion) — precious stone, yellow-green gem, ancient topaz or chrysolite
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5116-01 |
τοπάζιον | topazion | N NOM N SG |
topaz | yellow-green precious stone | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5116-01 |
Revelation 21:20 | τοπάζιον | topazion | N NOM N SG |
topaz | yellow-green precious stone |