Lexical Summary bareqeth: Emerald, Beryl Original Word: בָּרְקַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance carbuncle Or barkath {baw-rek-ath'}; from baraq; a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald -- carbuncle. see HEBREW baraq Brown-Driver-Briggs בָּרֶ֫קֶת noun feminine a precious stone, emerald, according to ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Josephus; (from flashing, sparkling; LagRel. Jur. Ecclesiastes 10. compare Sanskrit markata, Greek μάραγδος, ζμύραγδος) Exodus 28:17; Exodus 39:10 (both P). בָּֽרְקַת noun feminine id., Ezekiel 28:13, compare Ges§ 80 R. 2 PinskEinl. 73. Topical Lexicon Overview בָּרְקַת (bareqet) designates a brilliant green gemstone traditionally rendered “emerald” (Berean Standard Bible). Its name evokes flashing light, suggesting both radiance and value. Scripture places the stone in contexts that highlight divine glory, priestly mediation, and the splendor originally granted to a created ruler who later fell from grace. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Exodus 28:17 – The third stone in the first row of the high priest’s breastpiece. The Stone in the High Priest’s Breastpiece The Lord commanded Moses to mount the breastpiece of judgment with twelve distinct gems, each set “in gold filigree settings” (Exodus 28:17-21). The emerald occupied a prominent place among the first three stones. When Aaron entered the Holy Place, the gems rested “over his heart,” bearing “the names of the sons of Israel” before the Lord continually. Thus, bareqet participated in a perpetual sacramental display of covenant remembrance and intercession. Its vivid brilliance reinforced the ideal that Israel’s tribes, represented by their high priest, were treasured and ever-present before God. Symbolism and Theological Themes Radiance: The root idea of flashing or sparkling aligns the emerald with divine light (Psalm 104:2; 1 Timothy 6:16). Value: The costly stone testifies to the richness of grace bestowed on God’s people, prefiguring the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). Memory and Judgment: As part of the breastpiece of judgment, bareqet forms part of the tangible pledge that God hears the petitions of His appointed mediator and responds in righteousness. Peril of Pride: In Ezekiel 28:13 the emerald appears among the adornments of the guardian cherub: “Every kind of precious stone adorned you… sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle”. The same gem that decorated the priestly servant of God also adorned the rebellious ruler, underscoring that created splendor, severed from humble obedience, leads only to downfall. Historical and Cultural Context Egyptian mining operations in the Sinai Peninsula produced green beryl and related stones as early as the second millennium B.C. Israel’s encounter with such gems during the exodus could account for their inclusion in priestly vestments. Emeralds later circulated widely through Phoenician trade, fitting Ezekiel’s warning to the “king of Tyre,” who grew wealthy from maritime commerce (Ezekiel 27:2-24). Echoes in Later Biblical Revelation Revelation 4:3 portrays a heavenly throne “that had the appearance of jasper and carnelian,” encircled by a rainbow “resembling an emerald.” The gemstone thus frames John’s vision of sovereign majesty. Revelation 21:19 lists the emerald as the fourth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, demonstrating continuity between the high priest’s breastpiece and the eschatological dwelling of God with His people. Practical Ministry Reflections • Worship: The emerald’s placement over the high priest’s heart invites believers to approach God clothed in the righteousness and beauty supplied by Christ, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). Key References Exodus 28:17; Exodus 39:10; Ezekiel 28:13; Revelation 4:3; Revelation 21:19 Forms and Transliterations וּבָרְקַ֖ת וּבָרֶ֔קֶת וברקת ū·ḇā·rə·qaṯ ū·ḇā·re·qeṯ ūḇārəqaṯ ūḇāreqeṯ uvareKat uvaReketLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:17 HEB: אֹ֤דֶם פִּטְדָה֙ וּבָרֶ֔קֶת הַטּ֖וּר הָאֶחָֽד׃ NAS: of ruby, topaz and emerald; KJV: a topaz, and a carbuncle: [this shall be] the first INT: of ruby topaz and emerald a row the first Exodus 39:10 Ezekiel 28:13 3 Occurrences |
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