σάπφειρος
sáppheiros
G4552 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A precious blue gemstone, typically identified in antiquity with lapis lazuli rather than the mineral now called sapphire; refers to a semi-transparent, deep blue stone valued for its beauty and rarity. In broader literary context, can denote any vivid blue or blue-green gem, especially those used ornamentally or symbolically.
Semantic Range
precious blue stone, lapis lazuli, sapphire (in later terminology), generic term for vivid blue gems
Root / Etymology
From Hebrew סַפִּיר (sappir), likely via transliteration from the Hebrew Bible and Second Temple literature; not originally Greek in formation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Earliest and most prominent usage of σάπφειρος is as a loanword from ancient Hebrew texts (notably in the Septuagint, e.g., Exod 24:10, Ezek 1:26), where it describes a stone of intense blue color seen as both ornamental and symbolic. In these contexts, the stone was likely lapis lazuli, a common and valuable blue gemstone in the ancient Near East, not corundum-based sapphire as understood today. Classical Greek texts use σάπφειρος infrequently, and always with reference to exotic or luxurious stones. In Koine Greek and the New Testament, the meaning remains consistent, sometimes indicating preciousness, beauty, or divine vision. English 'sapphire' has shifted to designate a different mineral, which can obscure the original referent. The Septuagint's σάπφειρος and its Vulgate equivalent were influential in shaping later translations, though the substance described in biblical contexts was lapis lazuli. Unlike other Greek gem names, σάπφειρος was always used as a substantive and was not metaphorized in abstract senses in Greek literature. Distinct from other blue stones like υἱάκινθος (hyacinth) or βήρυλλος (beryl).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Hebrew origin (סַפִּיר); a "sapphire" or lapis-lazuli gem:--sapphire.
Root Family
σαπφειρ- (sáppheiros) — blue gemstone, precious stone
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4552-01 |
σάπφειρος | sappheiros | N NOM F SG |
sapphire | precious blue gemstone | sapphire | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4552-01 |
Revelation 21:19 | σάπφειρος | sappheiros | N NOM F SG |
sapphire | precious blue gemstone | sapphire |