Original Word: χαλκηδών
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: chalkédón
Pronunciation: khal-kay-DON
Phonetic Spelling: (khal-kay-dohn')
Definition: chalcedony, a small stone of various colors.
Meaning: Chalcedony; a precious stone, often described as a type of agate or quartz, known for its translucent and multicolored appearance.

Word Origin: Derived from the name of the ancient city of Chalcedon, located in Asia Minor, near modern-day Istanbul, Turkey.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for χαλκηδών, similar precious stones mentioned in the Old Testament include:
• Strong's Hebrew 5306 (נֹפֶךְ, nofech): Often translated as "emerald" or "turquoise," this stone is listed among the high priest's breastplate stones in Exodus 28:18.
• Strong's Hebrew 7718 (שֹׁהַם, shoham): Translated as "onyx" or "beryl," this stone is also part of the high priest's breastplate and the description of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:12.

These entries reflect the rich tradition of using precious stones as symbols of divine beauty and authority throughout the biblical narrative.

Usage: The term χαλκηδών is used in the New Testament to describe one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation.

Context: • Chalcedony in Scripture: The word χαλκηδών appears in the New Testament in Revelation 21:19, where it is listed as the third foundation stone of the New Jerusalem: "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."
• Historical and Cultural Context: Chalcedony is a variety of quartz that has been valued since antiquity for its beauty and durability. It was commonly used in jewelry and ornamentation. The city of Chalcedon, from which the stone derives its name, was known for its trade and craftsmanship in precious stones.
• Symbolism: In the context of Revelation, chalcedony, like other precious stones, symbolizes the beauty, strength, and eternal nature of the New Jerusalem. The use of such stones in the description of the city's foundations underscores the glory and divine craftsmanship of God's eternal kingdom.
• Interpretation: From a theological perspective, the inclusion of chalcedony among the foundation stones may also represent the diversity and unity of the Church, as each stone contributes to the overall splendor and stability of the city.

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
chalcedony (a precious stone)
NASB Translation
chalcedony (1).

STRONGS NT 5472: χαλκηδών

χαλκηδών, χαλκηδονος, ὁ, chalcedony, a precious stone de scribed by Pliny, h. n. 31, 5 (18), 72 (see B. D. (especially the American edition), under the word): Revelation 21:19.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

chalcedony.

From chalkos and perhaps eidos; copper-like, i.e. "chalcedony" -- chalcedony.

see GREEK chalkos

see GREEK eidos

Forms and Transliterations

χαλκηδων χαλκηδών chalkedon chalkedṓn chalkēdōn chalkēdṓn

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts