Topical Encyclopedia
Turquoise is a blue-to-green mineral that has been prized for its beauty and rarity throughout history. In biblical times, it was considered a precious stone and was often used in jewelry and ornamentation. The Bible makes several references to precious stones, including turquoise, highlighting its significance in ancient cultures and its symbolic meanings.
Biblical References:While the specific term "turquoise" is not directly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible, the stone is often associated with the Hebrew word "nophekh," which is translated as "emerald" or "turquoise" in various Bible versions. This stone is listed among the precious stones used in the high priest's breastplate, known as the "breastplate of judgment," which was worn by Aaron, the brother of Moses. The breastplate contained twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel (
Exodus 28:17-20).
In
Ezekiel 28:13 , the prophet Ezekiel describes the adornment of the King of Tyre, using imagery that includes precious stones: "You were in Eden, the garden of God; every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond; beryl, onyx, and jasper; sapphire, turquoise, and emerald; and gold, the workmanship of your settings and mountings was in you. On the day you were created they were prepared." This passage highlights the opulence and beauty associated with turquoise and other precious stones.
Symbolism and Significance:In biblical symbolism, turquoise, like other precious stones, is often associated with beauty, wealth, and divine favor. The use of such stones in the high priest's breastplate signifies the value and importance of the tribes of Israel in the eyes of God. The breastplate served as a reminder of the covenant between God and His people, with each stone representing a tribe and their unique role in the divine plan.
The mention of turquoise in Ezekiel's prophecy against the King of Tyre serves as a metaphor for the king's initial beauty and splendor, which was ultimately marred by pride and sin. This reflects a broader biblical theme where material wealth and beauty, while gifts from God, can lead to downfall if they become objects of pride and idolatry.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, turquoise was highly valued and often used in the creation of amulets, jewelry, and ceremonial objects. Its vibrant color and relative rarity made it a symbol of status and power. The stone was believed to have protective properties and was often associated with health and good fortune.
The biblical references to turquoise and other precious stones reflect the cultural and historical context of the time, where such materials were not only decorative but also carried significant symbolic and spiritual meanings. The use of turquoise in religious and royal settings underscores its importance in conveying messages of divine favor, authority, and the beauty of God's creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Alt. of Turquois.
2. (a.) Having a fine light blue color, like that of choice mineral turquoise.
Strong's Hebrew
5306. nophek -- (a precious stone) perhaps emerald... 5305, 5306. nophek. 5307 . (a precious stone) perhaps emerald. Transliteration:
nophek Phonetic Spelling: (no'-fek) Short Definition:
turquoise.
...Library
Volume ii. , Part B. The Memphite Empire
... physical configuration, its inhabitants, their incursions into Egypt, and their
relations with the Egyptians"The peninsula of Sinai: theturquoise and copper...
The Day was Near Its End. ...
... wonderful as Jerusalem. Golden dome and tower were gleaming above white
walls on theturquoise blue of the heavens. "Good friend...
Night
... She stood before a shrine of silver, the statue of Isis inturquoise displayed
therein, and an offering of pressed dates before it....
The Memphite Empire
... Zosiri had already taken steps to ensure the safety of theturquoise-seekers at
their work; Snofrui was not, therefore, the first Pharaoh who passed that way...
Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... [Objects offered] to Bubastis:"A costume of purple silk; another ofturquoise color;
a marble vase with pedestal; a water jug; a linen costume with gold...
The First Theban Empire
... took care to inform posterity very fully as to the anxieties which they had felt,
the pains which they had taken, and the quantities ofturquoise or of oxide...
Babylonia and Assyria
... a Babylonian province, and Naram-Sin now carried his arms against Magan, or the
Sinaitic Peninsula, where he secured the precious mines of copper andturquoise...
Striking Similes
... The sea, that gleamed still, like a myriad-petaled rose. The sea was as
untroubled as theturquoise vault which it reflected. The...
the Legendary History of Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1. <....
Thesaurus
Turquoise (5 Occurrences)... of Turquois. 2. (a.) Having a fine light blue color, like that of choice mineral
turquoise. Multi-Version Concordance
Turquoise (5 Occurrences).
...Emerald (8 Occurrences)
... DBY NAS). Exodus 28:18 and the second row aturquoise, a sapphire, and an
emerald; (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT RSV NIV). Exodus 39:10...
Sapphire (11 Occurrences)
... NIV). Exodus 28:18 and the second row aturquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Exodus...
Row (26 Occurrences)
... NIV). Exodus 28:18 and the second row aturquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Exodus 28...
Onyx (16 Occurrences)
... 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby,
topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire,turquoise, and beryl....
Jasper (8 Occurrences)
... 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby,
topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire,turquoise, and beryl....
Lapis (3 Occurrences)
... 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby,
topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire,turquoise, and beryl....
Lazuli (3 Occurrences)
... 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby,
topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire,turquoise, and beryl....
Turret (1 Occurrence)
Turpentine
Resources
What does the Bible say about crystals? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the rainbow? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any spiritual significance to birthstones? | GotQuestions.orgTurquoise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
