Original Word: μάρμαρος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: marmaros
Pronunciation: MAR-ma-ros
Phonetic Spelling: (mar'-mar-os)
Definition: Marble
Meaning: marble.

marble.

From marmairo (to glisten); marble (as sparkling white) -- marble.

Word Origin
from marmairó (to glisten)
Definition
a crystalline stone, esp. marble
NASB Translation
marble (1).

STRONGS NT 3139: μάρμαρος

μάρμαρος, μαρμάρου, ὁ, ἡ (μαρμαίρω to sparkle, glisten);

1. a stone, rock (Homer, Euripides).

2. marble ((cf. Epistle Jer. ), Theophrastus, Strabo, others): Revelation 18:12.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb μαρμαίρω (marmaírō), meaning "to flash" or "to sparkle."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for μάρμαρος, the concept of valuable stone materials can be related to Hebrew terms such as אֶבֶן (eben, Strong's 68), meaning "stone," and שַׁיִשׁ (shayish, Strong's 7893), which refers to "alabaster" or "marble." These terms are used in the Old Testament to describe materials used in construction and decoration, similar to the use of marble in the Greco-Roman world.

Usage: The term μάρμαρος is used in ancient Greek literature to describe marble, a material prized for its beauty and durability. In the context of the New Testament, it is not directly used, but its concept is understood in descriptions of structures and objects made from stone.

Context: The word μάρμαρος, while not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, is significant in understanding the cultural and historical context of the biblical world. Marble was a highly valued material in ancient times, used extensively in the construction of temples, public buildings, and monuments. Its use symbolized wealth, permanence, and beauty. The Greeks and Romans were particularly known for their skill in quarrying and sculpting marble, creating iconic structures such as the Parthenon and numerous statues and reliefs.

In the biblical context, while the specific term μάρμαρος does not appear, the use of stone and marble-like materials is evident in descriptions of significant buildings, such as Herod's Temple in Jerusalem. The temple's grandeur and the use of costly materials would have included elements similar to marble, reflecting the importance and sacredness of the site.

The imagery of marble can also be seen metaphorically in the Bible, where the beauty and purity of marble might be likened to spiritual truths or divine attributes. For example, in Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described with precious stones and materials, evoking the splendor and purity associated with marble.

μαρμαρου μαρμάρου μαρσίππιον μαρσίπποις μαρσίππον μάρσιππον μαρσίππου μαρσίππους μαρσίππω μαρσυππίου μαρυκάται marmarou marmárouInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts