ὑάλινος

The Greek word ὑάλινος (hualinos) is defined as "glass." It appears three times in the Bible, indicating a relatively limited but specific usage. The fact that it is a foreign term, likely borrowed from a non-Greek language, suggests that glass was a material not native to the ancient Greek world. Given its definition, it is likely that ὑάλινος refers to a type of vessel or container made of glass, rather than the material itself. The three occurrences of this word in the Bible may provide insight into the cultural and economic exchange networks of the ancient Mediterranean world, where glass vessels were valued for their beauty and durability. The significance of ὑάλινος lies in its representation of a rare and exotic material in the ancient world. Its appearance in the Bible highlights the cultural and economic connections between the Mediterranean region and other civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Phoenicians, who were known for their expertise in glassmaking.