Hyacinth

Hyacinth. Used in the Revised Version for jacinth in Rev 9:17. It is simply another English spelling of the same Greek word.

HYACINTH.—Rev 9:17 RV [Note: Revised Version.] ; AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ‘jacinth.’ See Jewels and Precious Stones.

hı̄´a-sinth (ὑάκινθος, huákinthos): the Revised Version (British and American) uses this word in Rev 9:17 for the King James Version “jacinth,” with reference, not to stone, but to dark-purple color. In Rev 21:20, where stone is meant, the Revised Version (British and American) translations “sapphire.”

See Jacinth.

The hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is a plant native to Israel and the surrounding areas. It produces blue, fragrant flowers. Many scholars believe that the lily mentioned in several verses in Song of Songs (2:1–2, 16; 4:5; and 6:2–4) may actually be the garden hyacinth.

This plant grows naturally in fields and rocky areas throughout Israel and the surrounding areas, Lebanon, and regions to the north. In its wild form, the hyacinth always has deep blue flowers that give off a very pleasant smell.

See also Lily.

Aquifer Open Bible Dictionary © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.