In Scripture gemstones frequently serve as visual anchors for divine glory, covenant identity, and eschatological hope. The stone designated by Strong’s Greek 4556 is rendered “carnelian” (or “sardius”) in most English versions. Its fiery hue links it to themes of sacrificial blood, purified judgment, and radiant majesty.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Revelation 4:3 portrays the enthroned Lord: “And the One seated there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow shining like an emerald encircled the throne”. The carnelian color, deep red to orange-red, brings to mind both the life-giving blood of the Lamb and the consuming holiness that surrounds the throne.
2. Revelation 21:20 lists the gem among the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem: “the sixth, carnelian.” Here the jewel is embedded in the eternal city, signaling that the same holy glory disclosed around the throne will permeate the redeemed order forever.

Old Testament Parallels and Continuity

• Exodus 28:17 identifies the sardius as the first stone in the high-priestly breastpiece. By wearing this gem over his heart, the high priest bore Israel before the LORD in sacrificial intercession.
• Ezekiel 28:13 names the stone in the list that adorned Eden’s guardian cherub, underscoring its association with unfallen splendor.

The New Testament’s placement of carnelian both on God’s throne and in the city’s foundation completes a canonical arc: what once belonged to priestly mediation and Edenic beauty is secured for God’s people in Christ.

Color and Symbolism

Red in Scripture evokes:
• Atonement—Leviticus 17:11 links blood with life and expiation.
• Righteous wrath—Isaiah 63:2-3 envisions the LORD’s garments stained red from judgment.
• Covenant love—Zechariah 1:8 records a rider on a red horse as the LORD’s representative.

Thus the stone’s hue unites mercy and justice, finding perfect harmony in the cross.

Historical and Cultural Background

Ancient lapidaries sourced sardius from the region around Sardis in Asia Minor and from India. Its translucence and durability made it prized for signet seals; impressions left by these seals signified authority. In Revelation 7:2 the living God seals His servants—an image that resonates with the carnelian’s historic use to mark ownership.

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

The twin New Testament occurrences bracket the entire vision of Revelation: divine government (chapter 4) and consummated creation (chapter 21). The carnelian therefore frames history between the already-established reign of God and the not-yet-fully-revealed city. It is a gemstone of assurance: what begins at the throne ends in the city.

Christological Reflections

• Priesthood fulfilled: The high priest’s sardius finds its antitype in the great High Priest whose shed blood opens the way to God (Hebrews 10:19-22).
• Kingship revealed: Carnelian’s ancient use in royal signets mirrors Revelation’s depiction of the Lamb who owns the scroll and seals (Revelation 5:1-7).
• Incarnation displayed: The fiery stone, solid yet transparent, illustrates the mystery of the Word made flesh—divine glory manifest in tangible form (John 1:14).

Pastoral and Homiletic Applications

1. Worship: The throne vision calls congregations to center adoration on God’s holiness and redemptive grace, refusing trivial views of worship.
2. Perseverance: Believers suffering for their faith may take courage; the same glory surrounding God now will surround His people eternally.
3. Identity: As living stones being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), Christians reflect the brilliance of the city’s foundations even in present trials.

Doctrinal Themes Highlighted

• The inseparability of holiness and love: God’s blazing righteousness (red stone) is the very means by which He secures His people.
• Continuity of divine purpose: From the tabernacle to the New Jerusalem, God’s design for mediated presence culminates in permanent habitation.
• Assurance of consummation: The tangible placement of carnelian in the coming city guarantees that present promises will attain visible fulfillment.

Worship and Devotional Insights

Contemplating the carnelian can train the heart to marvel at the paradox of grace: a throne wrapped in fiery splendor is approached with confidence because the Lamb was slain. In private devotion, meditating on Revelation 4:3 and Revelation 21:20 can kindle hope that every sorrow will one day reflect the multifaceted glory of God.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 4556, the carnelian stone, glows at the heart of Revelation’s worship and at the base of its eschatological architecture. It weaves together priestly intercession, royal authority, sacrificial atonement, and triumphant consummation. The fiery gem invites believers to gaze upon the holiness of God, rest in the completed work of Christ, and anticipate the radiant city where God dwells with His people forever.