Lexical Summary achlamah: Amethyst Original Word: אַחְלָמָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance amethyst Perhaps from chalam (and thus dream-stone); a gem, probably the amethyst -- amethyst. see HEBREW chalam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition amethyst NASB Translation amethyst (2), GOD (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַחְלָ֑מָה noun feminine perhaps amethyst (etymology dubious; below חלם Thes q. v.; HalJAs 7, x. 426 from חלם être fort, solide; Di Kn compare Talmud חַלְמִית, malva & think of green malachite; DlHA 36 N derived from Aramaic land A—lamû), amethyst according to ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Josephus; see also LagGGA 1884, 285, but compare Di; one of the gems on the ephod Exodus 28:19; Exodus 39:12. Topical Lexicon Overview אַחְלָמָה is rendered “amethyst,” a precious violet-hued gemstone that appears twice in the Old Testament. It is one of the twelve jewels set into the High Priest’s breastpiece of judgment, symbolizing the covenantal bond between the LORD and the twelve tribes of Israel. Biblical Occurrences • Exodus 28:19 – “the third row shall consist of a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst”. The two texts are parallel: the first prescribes, the second records fulfillment. In both, the amethyst stands in the third row, third position (ninth stone overall). Placement within the Priestly Breastpiece The breastpiece held twelve stones “engraved like seals, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel” (Exodus 28:21). While Scripture does not specify which tribe the amethyst represented, Jewish tradition offers several suggestions (Issachar, Gad, or Dan). Whatever the tribe, the stone rested over Aaron’s heart whenever he entered the sanctuary, conveying perpetual intercession on Israel’s behalf. In typology this prefigures Jesus Christ, the great High Priest who “always lives to intercede” for His people (Hebrews 7:25). Identification of the Stone Ancient writers linked the Greek amethystos (“not intoxicated”) with sobriety, believing the gem inhibited drunkenness. Modern gemology classifies the stone as transparent purple quartz colored by iron impurities and trace irradiation. Large deposits existed in Egypt’s Eastern Desert and Nubia, regions accessible to the Israelites during and after the Exodus era. Symbolic Significance Purple blends blue (heavenly) and red (earthly or royal), making the amethyst an apt emblem of mediation—heaven touching earth through priestly representation. Its clarity suggests purity; its durability, steadfastness. Together they point to the unchanging faithfulness of God and the sober-minded devotion He desires in His servants (1 Peter 1:13). Old and New Testament Connections Revelation 21:20 lists amethyst as the twelfth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, linking the wilderness tabernacle to the consummated kingdom. The same gem that testified to divine presence on Aaron’s breast now adorns the eternal dwelling of God with humanity, underscoring the unity of redemptive history. Historical and Cultural Background Archaeological discoveries show amethyst jewelry in Egypt as early as the Middle Kingdom. Its use in royal signet rings and cultic paraphernalia attests to its high value. The biblical prescription thus placed costly beauty at the core of Israel’s worship, declaring that the LORD is worthy of the best the earth yields. Theological and Ministry Applications 1. Priesthood and Intercession: The stone encourages believers to embrace their calling as “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), carrying others upon their hearts in prayer. Devotional Reflection When considering the amethyst, meditate on Christ’s continual advocacy. As each tribe’s name was engraved on its stone, so every believer is engraved on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). Let the gem’s violet brilliance draw the heart to worship the One whose costly grace secures an everlasting inheritance “kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Forms and Transliterations וְאַחְלָֽמָה׃ ואחלמה׃ veachLamah wə’aḥlāmāh wə·’aḥ·lā·māhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:19 HEB: לֶ֥שֶׁם שְׁב֖וֹ וְאַחְלָֽמָה׃ NAS: a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; KJV: a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. INT: A jacinth an agate and an amethyst Exodus 39:12 2 Occurrences |
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