Topical Encyclopedia
Sardonyx is a precious stone mentioned in the Bible, known for its distinctive layers of red and white bands. It is a variety of onyx, which itself is a form of chalcedony, a mineral in the quartz family. The name "sardonyx" is derived from the Greek words "sard," meaning "reddish-brown," and "onyx," meaning "claw" or "fingernail," reflecting its unique appearance.
Biblical References:Sardonyx is specifically mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where it is listed as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 21:19-20 states: "The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst."
In this context, sardonyx is the fifth foundation stone, symbolizing the beauty and eternal nature of the heavenly city. The use of precious stones in the description of the New Jerusalem underscores the glory and perfection of God's eternal kingdom, with each stone representing different aspects of divine truth and spiritual reality.
Historical and Cultural Context:In ancient times, sardonyx was highly valued for its beauty and was often used in jewelry and decorative items. It was also commonly used for carving cameos and intaglios due to its layered structure, which allowed artisans to create intricate designs with contrasting colors. The stone's durability and aesthetic appeal made it a popular choice for seals and signet rings, which were important tools for authentication and authority in biblical times.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance:Sardonyx, like other precious stones mentioned in the Bible, carries symbolic meaning. Its layered appearance can be seen as a representation of the multifaceted nature of God's creation and the complexity of His divine plan. The red and white bands may symbolize the blood of Christ and the purity of the believer, reflecting themes of redemption and sanctification.
In the context of the New Jerusalem, sardonyx, along with the other foundation stones, signifies the strength and permanence of God's promises. The inclusion of such stones in the city's foundations highlights the preciousness and value of the spiritual truths upon which the heavenly city is built.
Conclusion:While sardonyx is not as frequently mentioned in the Bible as some other stones, its presence in the description of the New Jerusalem serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and eternal nature of God's kingdom. As a symbol of divine truth and spiritual reality, sardonyx invites believers to reflect on the richness and depth of their faith and the enduring promises of God.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Sardonyxa name compounded ofsard andonyx , two precious stones, varieties of chalcedony or agate. The sardonyx combines the qualities of both, whence its name. It is mentioned only in (Revelation 21:20) The sardonyx consists of "a white opaque layer, superimposed upon a red transparent stratum of the true red sard." It is, like the sard, merely a variety of agate, and is frequently employed by engravers for signet-rings.
ATS Bible Dictionary
SardonyxAs if a sardius united to an onyx; a species of gem exhibiting the reddish color of the carnelian and the white of the chalcedony, intermingled either in shades or in alternate circles,Revelation 21:20.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(
Revelation 21:20), a species of the carnelian combining the sard and the onyx, having three layers of opaque spots or stripes on a transparent red basis. Like the sardine, it is a variety of the chalcedony.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A variety of onyx consisting of sard and white chalcedony in alternate layers.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SARDONYXsar'-do-niks.
SeeSTONES, PRECIOUS.
Greek
4557. sardonux --sardonyx...sardonyx. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: sardonux Phonetic Spelling:
(sar-don'-oox) Short Definition:
sardonyx Definition:
sardonyx, a
...Library
Introduction.
... emerald or carbuncle sappheiros sapphirus sapphire sapphire iaspis jaspis diamond
diamond orsardonyx iii.... smaragdos emerald v. sardonnxsardonyx vi....
On Counter Promises.
... battlements of crystal; that it is to have a wall composed of many precious stones,
as jasper, and sapphire, and chalcedony, and emerald, andsardonyx, and onyx...
The New Jerusalem.
... The first foundation was a jasper; the second, a sapphire; the third, a chalcedony;
the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, asardonyx; the sixth, a sardius; the...
Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... Cassandra; of four elephants, cut in obsidian, a miracle of skill and labor, and
of a collection of precious stones, among which was thesardonyx set in the...
Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... of gold, that were themselves inserted in the breastplate, and were so made that
they might not fall out low the first three stones were asardonyx, a topaz...
The People of the New Earth
... a kind of agate or onyx, probably bluish-white, and semi-transparent): the fourth,
an emerald (a vivid green): (20) the fifth, asardonyx (a mixture of...
Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... Now this breastplate, and thissardonyx, left off shining two hundred years before
I composed this book, God having been displeased at the transgressions of...
On Rational Natures.
... similitude, and a crown of comeliness among the delights of paradise; thou wert
adorned with every good stone or gem, and wert clothed withsardonyx, and topaz...
How David Fell in Love with Bathsheba, and Slew Her Husband Uriah...
... himself took the king of the Ammonites' crown, whose weight was a talent of gold;
[13] and it had in its middle a precious stone called asardonyx; which crown...
The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony;
the fourth, an emerald; The fifth,sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh...
Thesaurus
Sardonyx (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SARDONYX. sar'-do-niks. See STONES, PRECIOUS.
Multi-Version Concordance
Sardonyx (1 Occurrence).
...Onyx (16 Occurrences)
... It was found in the land of Havilah (Genesis 2:12). The LXX. translates the Hebrew
word by smaragdos, an emerald. Some think that thesardonyx is meant....
Ninth (35 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:20 the fifth,sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh...
Jacinth (4 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:20 the fifth,sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh...
Fifth (65 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:20 the fifth,sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh...
Twelfth (20 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:20 the fifth,sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh...
Topaz (7 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:20 the fifth,sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh...
Eighth (38 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:20 the fifth,sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh...
Eleventh (19 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:20 the fifth,sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh...
Diamond (5 Occurrences)
... ie, the third in the second row, in the breastplate of the high priest, with the
name of Naphtali engraven on it (Exodus 28:18; 39:11; RV marg., "sardonyx.")....
Resources
Is there any spiritual significance to birthstones? | GotQuestions.orgSardonyx: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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