κρυσταλλίζω
krystallízō
G2929 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To become or appear like crystal, to take on a quality or appearance of transparency or luster characteristic of crystal or ice. In the passive or intransitive sense, to be rendered clear, limpid, or glittering, especially in reference to water, glass, or ethereal substances.
Semantic Range
to be crystal-clear, to shine or sparkle like crystal, to have a crystal-like appearance, to exhibit transparency or luster, to take on the qualities of crystal (clarity, brilliance, purity)
Root / Etymology
From κρύσταλλος (krýstallos, 'ice', 'rock crystal'), itself ultimately related to κρύος ('frost', 'icy cold'). The suffix -ίζω (-izō) typically forms denominative verbs, signifying 'to make like' or 'to cause to be as'. Thus, 'to make like crystal' or 'to become crystal-like.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb κρυσταλλίζω is rare in extant Greek literature, with its clear New Testament attestation in Revelation 21:11 and 22:1, describing the brilliance and transparency of precious stones and of water. Classical Greek preferred descriptive combinations rather than a specific verb for 'to crystallize' or 'to be crystalline.' In Hellenistic and later sources, κρυσταλλίζω can describe both literal and figurative qualities: an object's sparkling clarity or purity (e.g., water that is extraordinarily clear), or the phenomenon of taking on the outward appearance associated with rock crystal or fine ice. English translations, especially in biblical contexts, often render the term 'be clear as crystal' or 'shine like crystal,' focusing on transparency and luster. The notion of chemical crystallization postdates the Koine era and should not be read into the meaning; the word is restricted to the physical or visual likeness to crystal.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κρύσταλλος; to make (i.e. intransitively, resemble) ice ("crystallize"):--be clear as crystal.
Root Family
κρυσταλλ- (krystallízō) — to be like crystal, to shine, to be clear
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2929-01 |
κρυσταλλίζοντι | krustallizonti | V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG |
crystal-clear | to the crystal-shining one | to the crystal-shining one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2929-01 |
Revelation 21:11 | κρυσταλλίζοντι | krustallizonti | V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG |
crystal-clear | to the crystal-shining one | to the crystal-shining one |