“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, …. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19a-20 NKJV)
What color is this Sardius stone, the sixth foundation layer for the New Jerusalem?
Sardius (n.) A precious stone, probably a carnelian, one of which was set in Aaron’s breastplate. [Webster Dict. 113
“The sixth, sardius; the same with the sardine stone, Rev_4:3 of a blood colour, and what is commonly called a cornelian: it is found in Sardinia, from whence it has its name, and in Bohemia and Silesia, though those of Babylon are the best. This was Reuben’s stone.” [John Gill’s Exposition]
“Sardius – Sardius. (red). (Hebrew, odem). The stone which occupied the first place in the first row of the high priest’s breastplate. Exo_28:27. The sard, which is probably the stone denoted by odem, is a superior variety of agate, sometimes called camelian, and has long been a favorite stone for the engraver’s art. Sardis differ in color: there is a bright-red variety, and, perhaps, the Hebrew, odem, from a root means “to be red,” points to this kind.” [Smith’s Bible Dictionary]
“6. Sardius (Gr.: sardios)—its color is fiery red. Pliny says that it is the red stone from Sardis. Swete says that it is fiery red.” [J. Vernon McGee]
Those four Commentary and Dictionary definitions are all much saying the same; Red, Blood Red, or Fiery Red. Before I start finding photos of birds, many are already on my mind. Especially the Northern Cardinal:
This should be easy finding photos to match the color of this sixth foundation. Of course, what we’ll see in heaven, will exceed these beyond anything we can imagine!!!
Articles in this Series so far:
- Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Introduction
- Previous Post About Precious Stones
- Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Foundation Stones
- Heavens New Jerusalem and Birds – Sapphire
- Heavens New Jerusalem and Birds – Chalcedony
- Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Emerald
- Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Colors
- How Are We Reflecting God’s Light?
- Heaven’s New Jerusalem and Birds – Sardonyx