Lexical Summary
tarshish: beryl
Original Word:תַּרְשִׁישׁ
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:tarshiysh
Pronunciation:tar-SHEESH
Phonetic Spelling:(tar-sheesh')
KJV: beryl
NASB:beryl
Word Origin:[probably of foreign derivation]
1. a gem, perhaps the topaz
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
beryl
Probably of foreign derivation (compareTarshiysh); a gem, perhaps the topaz -- beryl.
see HEBREWTarshiysh
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originprobably of foreign origin
Definition(a precious stone) perhaps yellow jasper
NASB Translationberyl (6).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. , perhaps
yellow jasper, or other gold-coloured stone (
LExodus 28:20;
Exodus 39:13 , so Jos
Ant. iii. 7, 5 [168], see Petrie
Hast. DB STONES, PRECIOUS Myres
Ency. Bib. ID. § 17 Dr
Daniel 10:6); —
Ezekiel 1:6;
Ezekiel 10:9; in list of gems
Ezekiel 28:13;
Exodus 28:20;
Exodus 39:13; in simile of resplendent body
Daniel 10:6, compare
Songs 5:14.
Topical Lexicon
Identity of the StoneThe noun תַּרְשִׁישׁ designates a precious gem whose hue suggests a shimmering sea-green or golden luster. English versions render it variously as “beryl,” “topaz,” or “chrysolite.” All three minerals share a transparent brilliance that reflects and refracts light, making the stone an apt emblem of glory and purity wherever Scripture employs it.
Role in Priestly Service (Exodus 28:20; 39:13)
Placed in the fourth row of the high priest’s breastpiece, תַּרְשִׁישׁ was one of the twelve memorial stones borne “over his heart when he enters the Holy Place, as a continual memorial before the LORD” (Exodus 28:29). Its inclusion attests to Israel’s corporate worth before God. Every gem differed in color and character, yet each was set in identical gold filigree, underscoring the unity and equal covenant standing of the tribes. The gemstone’s radiant clarity invites meditation on the holiness required of those who minister in God’s presence and points forward to the “living stones” built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5).
Literary and Poetic Usage (Song of Songs 5:14)
The shepherd-king’s arms are praised as “rods of gold set with beryl” (Song of Songs 5:14), a poetic picture mixing strength (rods of gold) with loveliness (beryl inlay). The line evokes the Messiah’s matchless combination of royal authority and gentle beauty. Within marital imagery, the stone thus becomes a symbol of covenant faithfulness—as secure and splendid as the jewel itself.
Prophetic Visions and Theophanies (Ezekiel 1:16; 10:9;Daniel 10:6)
1. In Ezekiel’s inaugural vision the wheels beside the cherubim gleam “like beryl” (Ezekiel 1:16; 10:9). The dazzling mobility of God’s throne conveys His omnipresence; the gemlike radiance signals the perfection of His judgments.
2. Daniel, standing by the Tigris, beholds a mighty figure whose “body was like beryl” (Daniel 10:6). The angelic messenger’s gemstone brilliance magnifies the transcendent glory of the heavenly realm and prepares the prophet for sobering revelation. Both prophets anchor their messages in the holiness of God displayed through tarshish-light.
Edenic Splendor and the Fall of the Anointed Cherub (Ezekiel 28:13)
Addressing the king of Tyre, the prophet lists תַּרְשִׁישׁ among nine stones adorning the garden of God. The verse recalls an unfallen order lavished with beauty that was forfeited through pride. The presence of this gem in the catalog positions it as a witness to both original creation glory and the tragedy of rebellion—warning every generation that outward brilliance does not guarantee inward righteousness.
Theological and Ministry Significance
• Revelation of Divine Character: Each flash of תַּרְשִׁישׁ in Scripture reflects God’s unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16). Ministries centered on His Word must cherish and mirror that light, refusing dull compromise.
• Call to Holiness: Set upon the priestly breastpiece, the stone reminds believers that intercession must be anchored in personal purity (Hebrews 7:26-27).
• Assurance of Providence: The wheeled chariot of Ezekiel, radiant with tarshish, reassures God’s people that His sovereign purposes move flawlessly through history.
• Hope of Restoration: Eden’s lost splendor will be surpassed in the New Jerusalem where every precious stone reappears (Revelation 21:19-20). The recurring motif of dazzling gems, including beryl, assures the church that redemption culminates in a glory far brighter than the first creation.
Occurrence Summary
Exodus 28:20;Exodus 39:13 — Breastpiece stone
Song of Songs 5:14 — Poetic metaphor of beauty and strength
Ezekiel 1:16; 10:9 — Radiant wheels of the throne-chariot
Ezekiel 28:13 — Ornament of Edenic perfection
Daniel 10:6 — Appearance of the angelic messenger
From priestly garments to prophetic visions, תַּרְשִׁישׁ consistently points to the splendor and holiness of the LORD, calling every generation to worship Him in the beauty of holiness and to await the day when His glory fills the earth as the waters cover the sea.
Forms and Transliterations
בַּתַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ בתרשיש כְתַרְשִׁ֗ישׁ כתרשיש תַּרְשִֽׁישׁ׃ תַּרְשִׁ֔ישׁ תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ תרשיש תרשיש׃ bat·tar·šîš battarShish battaršîš chetarShish ḵə·ṯar·šîš ḵəṯaršîš tar·šîš tarShish taršîš
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