χρυσόπρασος
chrysóprasos
G5556 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of gemstone; specifically, a greenish-yellow or apple-green stone, classified as a variety of quartz with a characteristic vibrant green color. In Greek usage, χρυσόπρασος refers to a precious stone coveted for its unique coloration, often associated with ornamental or decorative contexts. The primary meaning is a green or yellow-green gemstone, particularly the variety known as chrysoprase.
Semantic Range
a yellowish-green gemstone, chrysoprase; a precious stone of apple- or leek-green hue, a decorative or valuable mineral
Root / Etymology
Derived from χρυσός ('gold') and πράσον ('leek'), alluding to the stone's gold-tinged green color. The etymology reflects a visual analogy: golden (yellow) and leek (green) coloration combined in the stone's appearance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
χρυσόπρασος is a rare term found in later Greek sources and only occurs once in the New Testament (Revelation 21:20) in the enumeration of foundation stones for the New Jerusalem. In ancient sources, it referred to a gemstone with a greenish hue, likely the mineral known today as chrysoprase or sometimes confused with similar stones such as emerald or beryl. Classical Greek distinguishes χρυσόπρασος from other green stones using its distinctive yellow-green coloration (cf. ἐμεράλδος, σμάραγδος). The Septuagint does not use this word; its NT presence reflects either evolving gemological terminology or Hellenistic trade influence on Greek vocabulary. The traditional English rendering 'chrysoprase' is based on the transliteration rather than direct description of the color or mineral specifics. The word itself does not carry figurative or extended senses in Greek literature, remaining strictly a term for a class of gemstones. The term's use in Revelation aligns with its Hellenistic period identification as an admired decorative gem. The actual mineral referred to may differ from modern nomenclature and should not be conflated anachronistically with identical English names.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from χρυσός and (a leek); a greenish-yellow gem ("chrysoprase"):--chrysoprase.
Root Family
χρυσο-/πρασ- (chrysóprasos) — gold, leek (green vegetable)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5556-01 |
χρυσόπρασος | chrusoprasos | N NOM M SG |
chrysoprase | gold-green gemstone | chrysoprase | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5556-01 |
Revelation 21:20 | χρυσόπρασος | chrusoprasos | N NOM M SG |
chrysoprase | gold-green gemstone | chrysoprase |