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Chrysoprase

biblical_gemstone theological_term standard

A precious stone named among the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:20; usually understood as a green gemstone, though the ancient identification is not certain.

At a Glance

Chrysoprase is one of the gemstones listed in Revelation 21:20 among the foundations of the New Jerusalem.

Key Points

Description

Chrysoprase is one of the precious stones listed among the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:20. The term is commonly associated with a green gemstone, but caution is appropriate because ancient gem names do not always match modern mineral classifications with precision. Biblically, its importance lies in the radiant and glorious portrayal of God’s final dwelling with His people. The stone itself does not carry a developed theological doctrine; rather, it contributes to the vision of beauty, order, and splendor in the New Jerusalem.

Biblical Context

In Revelation 21:19-20, the New Jerusalem’s foundations are adorned with precious stones. Chrysoprase appears in that list as part of John’s visionary description of the city prepared by God. The point is symbolic magnificence, not an encoded doctrinal message in the stone itself.

Historical Context

Ancient gem names were often used more flexibly than modern mineral terms. For that reason, chrysoprase is usually identified with a green gemstone, but scholars exercise caution in mapping the biblical term to a precise modern mineral.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Jewels and precious stones were associated in the ancient world with beauty, wealth, honor, and splendor. Biblical lists of stones, such as those connected with priestly and royal settings, use this imagery to communicate glory and sacred beauty.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The Greek term in Revelation 21:20 is chrysoprasos (χρυσόπρασος), a word commonly understood as referring to a green gemstone. Exact identification remains uncertain.

Theological Significance

Chrysoprase contributes to the symbolic portrayal of the New Jerusalem as radiant, glorious, and fit for God’s dwelling with His people. Its theological value is illustrative rather than doctrinal: it supports the Bible’s picture of eschatological beauty and holiness.

Philosophical Explanation

The entry illustrates how biblical language can use concrete created things to communicate transcendent realities. The stone matters not as an object of speculation, but as part of a larger vision of consummated order, beauty, and divine presence.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not overstate the stone’s symbolism or claim certainty about its exact modern mineral equivalent. Ancient gemstone terminology is not always precise. The text’s focus is the glory of the New Jerusalem, not hidden meanings attached to the stone.

Major Views

Most readers and commentators understand chrysoprase as a green gemstone, but they differ on the degree of confidence possible in exact identification. All responsible views treat it as one item in the symbolic jewel-encrusted foundation list.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry should not be used to build doctrine from gemstone symbolism. Its meaning remains subordinate to the plain sense of Revelation 21:20 and the broader biblical picture of the New Jerusalem.

Practical Significance

Chrysoprase can remind readers that God’s final dwelling with His people will be marked by holiness, beauty, and joy beyond present experience. The image encourages hope rather than speculation.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Chrysoprase

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