Topical Encyclopedia
Precious stones hold significant symbolic and practical value throughout the Bible, often representing beauty, wealth, and divine craftsmanship. These stones are frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, serving various roles from adornment to spiritual symbolism.
Old Testament References1.
Creation and Beauty: Precious stones are first mentioned in the context of creation and divine craftsmanship. In
Genesis 2:12, the land of Havilah is noted for its gold and onyx stone, highlighting the inherent value and beauty of these materials.
2.
Priestly Garments: The high priest's breastplate, as described in
Exodus 28:17-20, was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones included sardius, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper. This use of stones underscores their role in divine worship and representation of God's people.
3.
Symbol of Wealth and Power: Precious stones are often associated with wealth and power. In
1 Kings 10:2, the Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon, bringing with her a great quantity of spices, gold, and precious stones, signifying her wealth and the esteem in which she held Solomon.
4.
Prophetic Imagery: The prophets frequently used precious stones as symbols of restoration and divine favor. In
Isaiah 54:11-12, God promises to rebuild Jerusalem with stones of turquoise and foundations of sapphires, symbolizing the future glory and splendor of the city.
New Testament References1.
Heavenly Jerusalem: In
Revelation 21:18-21, the New Jerusalem is described with foundations adorned with every kind of precious stone, including jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst. The gates are made of pearls, and the streets of pure gold, reflecting the ultimate beauty and perfection of God's eternal kingdom.
2.
Symbol of Faith and Virtue: In
1 Corinthians 3:12, Paul uses precious stones metaphorically to describe the quality of one's work in building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Gold, silver, and costly stones represent enduring works of faith and virtue, in contrast to wood, hay, and straw, which will not withstand the test of fire.
Spiritual SignificancePrecious stones in the Bible often symbolize spiritual truths and divine attributes. They are used to convey the beauty of holiness, the value of wisdom, and the eternal nature of God's promises. The use of these stones in biblical texts serves as a reminder of the splendor of God's creation and the richness of His blessings to His people.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Precious StonesPRECIOUS STONES
SeeSTONES, PRECIOUS.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Precious StonesPrecious stones are frequently alluded to in Scriptures; they were known and very highly valued in the earliest times. The Tyrians traded in precious stones supplied by Syria. (Ezekiel 27:16) The merchants of Sheba and Raamah in south Arabia, and doubtless India and Ceylon supplied the markets of Tyre with various precious stones. The art of engraving on precious stones was known from the very earliest times. (Genesis 38:18) The twelve atones of the breastplate were engraved each one with the name of one of the tribes. (Exodus 28:17-21) It is an undecided question whether the diamond was known to the early nations of antiquity. The Authorized Version gives if as the rendering of the Heb.yahalom , but it is probable that the jasper is intended. Precious stones are used in Scripture in a figurative sense, to signify value, beauty durability, etc., in those objects with which they are compared. See (Solomon 5:14;Isaiah 54:11,12;Lamentations 4:7;Revelation 4:3;21:10,21)
Strong's Hebrew
5508. sochereth -- a stone (used in paving)... Definition:
stones. Word Origin from sachar Definition a stone (used in paving)
NASB Word Usage
precious stones (1). black marble. Similar
...Library
All Manner ofPrecious Stones
... All Manner ofPrecious Stones. Gerhard Ter Steegen Malachi 3:17. There it is fair,.
Where thousand, thousand flames for evermore. In God's high palace glow,....
OfPrecious Stones and Pearls.
... Book I. Chapter VI."OfPrecious Stones and Pearls. But, in the next place,
what am I to interpret those jewels to be which vie...
A Royal Seeker after Wisdom
... him with hard questions.2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with
camels that bare spices, and very much gold, andprecious stones: and when...
The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With...
... month, [5108] when Solomon was king over Israel, the king commanded, and they brought
greatprecious stones for the foundation of the house, and unhewnstones....
Ain.
... For this is read in another Psalm also, "Above gold and exceedingprecious stones."
[5317] For topaz is a stone considered veryprecious....
Introduction.
... Returning to the comparison with the High Priest's breastplate, the writer sets
forth the beauty of the woven-work and theprecious stones of the mystic raiment...
The Church Triumphant
... Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver,precious stones, wood, hay,
stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare...
From the Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Chapters.
... 16. "And the city is placed in a square."] The city which he says is squared, he
says also is resplendent with gold andprecious stones, and has a sacred street...
The True Sense of the Passage (I Cor. Iii. 11-15) About those who...
... of the apostles cannot be false, that obscure saying about those who build upon
the foundation, Christ, not gold, silver, andprecious stones, but wood, hay...
Whether Venial Sins are Suitably Designated as "Wood, Hay, and...
... Objection 3: Further, according to the Apostle (1:Cor.3:12) those who build "gold,
silver,precious stones," ie love of God and our neighbor, and good works...
Resources
Who does God say I am? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about when God will judge us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a plumb line in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgPrecious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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