Lexical Summary yahalom: Diamond Original Word: יַהֲלֹם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance diamond From halam (in the sense of hardness); a precious stone, probably onyx -- diamond. see HEBREW halam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom halam Definition (a precious stone) perhaps jasper or onyx NASB Translation diamond (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַהֲלֹם noun [masculine] a precious stone, jasper ? (so ᵐ5 ᵑ9), or onyx? (compare Di Exodus 28:18) (apparently from v הלם; owing to its hardness, as able to smite, hammer?) — mentioned in lists of precious stones Exodus 28:18; Exodus 39:11; Ezekiel 28:13. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Contextיַהֲלֹם appears three times in the Old Testament, always in lists of precious stones (Exodus 28:18; Exodus 39:11; Ezekiel 28:13). Twice it is set in the second row of gemstones on the high priest’s breastpiece, and once it adorns the “covering” of the king of Tyre in Ezekiel’s lament. The Berean Standard Bible renders the stone “diamond.” Placement within the Priestly Breastpiece In Exodus 28:18 the יַהֲלֹם occupies the third position of the second horizontal row on the breastpiece of judgment. Exodus 39:11 records its actual manufacture. The breastpiece held twelve stones, each “engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes” (Exodus 28:21). While Scripture does not explicitly assign tribes to specific stones, Jewish tradition connects the יַהֲלֹם with the tribe of Naphtali. Whether or not this precis is correct, the stone’s inclusion affirms that every tribe—large or small—was borne over the high priest’s heart as he entered the Holy Place, prefiguring the comprehensive intercession of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:25). Symbolism of the Stone 1. Durability Diamonds are renowned for hardness. The prophets employ diamond imagery to depict an unyielding surface (“an adamant harder than flint,” Ezekiel 3:9). If יַהֲלֹם is indeed diamond, its presence on the breastpiece would highlight the unbreakable covenant love that undergirds priestly mediation (Exodus 28:29). 2. Purity The unmatched clarity of a cut diamond mirrors the holiness demanded of those who approach God (Leviticus 19:2). When Aaron bore the יַהֲלֹם into the sanctuary, the stone silently testified that God’s people must be “pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8) yet could only become so through sacrifice and substitution. 3. Radiance Placed over the ephod of gold thread and standing before the constantly burning menorah, the breastpiece would sparkle brilliantly. This radiance anticipated the redeemed community described in Revelation 21:11, whose glory “was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” Historical Identification The ancient word probably denoted a transparent, exceptionally hard gem. Some scholars suggest “diamond,” others “jasper” or “chalcedony.” The Septuagint renders it ἴασπις (jasper) in Exodus but ὄνυξ (onyx) in Ezekiel, indicating uncertainty in antiquity. Regardless of the precise mineral, the canonical text emphasizes beauty, rarity, and permanence rather than mineralogy. Ezekiel’s Prophetic Use In Ezekiel 28:13 the יַהֲלֹם decorates the splendor of the king of Tyre—imagery that reaches behind the human monarch to the pride and downfall of a primordial cherub. The inclusion of priestly gemstones in this oracle intensifies the contrast between God-ordained glory and self-exalting ostentation. What graced the high priest in humble service adorns the king of Tyre in arrogant self-deification, setting the stage for divine judgment (Ezekiel 28:16-18). Christological and Eschatological Reflections • High-Priestly Fulfillment The precious stones foreshadow Christ, who bears all His people on His heart. The durability of the יַהֲלֹם assures believers that their names, like engraved seals, cannot be effaced (John 10:28-29). • New Jerusalem Revelation 21 lists twelve foundation stones whose brilliance outshines the priestly breastpiece. The continuity of gemstone imagery—from Sinai’s tabernacle through Ezekiel’s lament to John’s apocalypse—demonstrates the unified redemptive storyline of Scripture. Ministry Applications 1. Intercessory Prayer Just as the high priest carried each tribe close to his heart, so pastors, missionaries, and all believers are called to bear one another before the throne of grace with unwavering commitment. 2. Holiness and Integrity The diamond’s hardness invites Christians to cultivate an uncompromising adherence to God’s word (Psalm 119:128), resisting the erosion of cultural pressures. 3. Humility in Gifts The king of Tyre illustrates how God-given beauty and talent can become fuel for pride. Every spiritual gift must be stewarded for God’s glory, not personal acclaim (1 Peter 4:10-11). Conclusion Whether understood as diamond, jasper, or another transparent gem, יַהֲלֹם consistently signifies priceless beauty, covenant durability, and radiant holiness. Its limited appearances nevertheless illuminate vital themes: priestly mediation, the peril of pride, and the ultimate splendor awaiting the redeemed people of God. Forms and Transliterations וְיָהֲלֹ֗ם וְיָהֲלֹֽם׃ ויהלם ויהלם׃ veyahaLom wə·yā·hă·lōm wəyāhălōmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:18 HEB: נֹ֥פֶךְ סַפִּ֖יר וְיָהֲלֹֽם׃ NAS: a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond; KJV: a sapphire, and a diamond. INT: A turquoise A sapphire diamond Exodus 39:11 Ezekiel 28:13 3 Occurrences |
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