χρυσόλιθος
chrysólithos
G5555 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A precious stone—a yellow or gold-tinged gem, often golden-green in color. In ancient sources, the term typically refers to a gemstone valued for its luster and color resembling gold, rather than a single mineral species; in modern mineralogy, the term 'chrysolite' was historically applied to what is now called 'olivine' or 'peridot', but ancient usage was broader. Contextual senses include a gemstone adorning garments or the foundations of illustrious buildings or cities (e.g., as in apocalyptic vision literature).
Semantic Range
yellow gemstone, golden gem, stone resembling gold, chrysolite, ornamental stone; possibly precious stone of greenish-gold hue
Root / Etymology
From χρυσός (gold) + λίθος (stone); literally 'golden stone'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, χρυσόλιθος appears as a designation for a gemstone of golden color. Sources such as Theophrastus and Pliny recount varying descriptions, and the precise mineral identified by this term shifted over the centuries. In the Septuagint (LXX) and New Testament, χρυσόλιθος is used in the context of precious stones—often mentioned among the stones set in the high priest's breastplate (cf. Exodus 28:20 LXX) or as an architectural ornamentation (e.g., Revelation 21:20). Its identification with modern 'chrysolite' (peridot, a greenish-yellow olivine) is traditional but not certain, as ancient gem-naming was based on appearance rather than mineral composition. English Bible translations often render χρυσόλιθος as 'chrysolite', but the term may not correspond precisely to any single modern gemstone. The word reflects ancient valuation of gold-like appearance and luminous quality, not strict mineral classification.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from χρυσός and λίθος; gold-stone, i.e. a yellow gem ("chrysolite"):--chrysolite.
Root Family
χρυσ-λιθ- (chrysólithos) — gold, stone, gem, precious stone
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5555-01 |
χρυσόλιθος | chrusolithos | N NOM M SG |
chrysolite | golden stone | chrysolite | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5555-01 |
Revelation 21:20 | χρυσόλιθος | chrusolithos | N NOM M SG |
chrysolite | golden stone | chrysolite |