Chalcedony
NatureWhat is the meaning of Chalcedony in the Bible?
Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz used as a gemstone in antiquity. It is cited in the Book of Revelation as one of the foundational stones of the New Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Its inclusion reflects the ancient practice of using precious minerals to symbolize purity, permanence, and divine architecture in apocalyptic literature.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Chalcedony were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Chalcedony in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chalcedony clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Chalcedony." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chalcedony/