Hyacinth
Natureâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Revised Version employs 'hyacinth' in Revelation 9:17 to denote a dark-purple hue, while in Revelation 21:20 it translates the Greek word sappheiros as 'sapphire', demonstrating that the English term covers distinct botanical and mineralogical referents in biblical translation.
What is the meaning of Hyacinth in the Bible?
The Revised Version employs 'hyacinth' in Revelation 9:17 to denote a dark-purple hue, while in Revelation 21:20 it translates the Greek word sappheiros as 'sapphire', demonstrating that the English term covers distinct botanical and mineralogical referents in biblical translation.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing these distinct referents clarifies the visual imagery of the apocalyptic visions, distinguishing between the color of horse trappings and the composition of the New Jerusalem's foundations.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Hyacinth in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hyacinth clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.