UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: stone

Semantic entry: 2.23

Semantic domains: Natural Substances

Subdomains: Earth, Mud, Sand, Rock

Definition: stone as a substance{N:001}

Sense 2: stone

Semantic entry: 2.24

Semantic domains: Natural Substances

Subdomains: Earth, Mud, Sand, Rock

Definition: a piece of rock, whether shaped or natural

Notes: Some languages make an important distinction between ‘stone’ as a substance (as in RV ACT 17:29 · LV ACT 17:29 · Read together ACT 17:29) and ‘stones’ as individual pieces of rock (as in RV MAT 4:3 · LV MAT 4:3 · Read together MAT 4:3). The term λίθος in the NT may be employed in speaking of rather large stones, for example, the stone placed in front of the tomb of Jesus (RV MAT 27:60 · LV MAT 27:60 · Read together MAT 27:60) and the stones of the foundation of the Temple buildings (RV MAT 24:2 · LV MAT 24:2 · Read together MAT 24:2). In all such contexts, however, the reference is to stones which have been moved into position or which are capable of being moved, even though with some difficulty.|In some languages an important distinction is made between stones which are shaped for use in building and stones which occur in a natural form, for example, ‘field stones.’ In each instance the biblical context must be studied to determine what type of expression should be used.

Sense 3: precious stone, gem

Semantic entry: 2.29

Semantic domains: Natural Substances

Subdomains: Precious and Semiprecious Stones and Substances

Definition: valuable stones and hard substances, especially gems and jewels

Notes: For another interpretation of τίμιος in RV CO1 3:12 · LV CO1 3:12 · Read together CO1 3:12, see 65.2: ἔντιμος / 65.2: τίμιος.|Precious stones are often distinguished on the basis of cost, appearance, or function, for example, ‘stones that cost much’ or ‘stones that are beautiful’ or ‘stones that are worn for decoration.’|A number of precious and semiprecious stones (see 2.30: ἴασπις-2.43: μαργαρίτης) are mentioned in one NT passage, namely, RV REV 21:19 · LV REV 21:19 · Read together REV 21:19, and though there are certain differences of opinion among scholars as to the precise reference of certain of these terms, there is more or less general agreement as to the color of the stones in question.|In languages in which terms such as ‘jasper,’ ‘sapphire,’ ‘agate,’ etc. exist, one may simply borrow such terms and explain their color in a glossary or word list. For languages in which such terms are not known, translators normally borrow the names from a dominant language of the area and likewise provide an explanation of the color in a glossary. Some translators have attempted to introduce the corresponding color terms in the text of RV REV 21:19 · LV REV 21:19 · Read together REV 21:19, but this often results in a rather extended and somewhat awkward set of descriptive expressions.

Collocations: λίθος τίμιος

Sense 4: tomb cover, tomb stone

Definition: A large, heavy stone used to close the entrance to a cave or tomb cut out of the rock

Sense 5: building stone

Definition: block of stone, either fully square or not; found in nature or hewn from a quarry; used for building houses, walls, and other constructions