Lexical Summary leshem: Jacinth, Ligure Original Word: לֶשֶׁם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a gem, perhaps the jacinthFrom an unused root of uncertain meaning; a gem, perhaps the jacinth -- ligure. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition (a precious stone) perhaps amber or jacinth NASB Translation jacinth (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. לֶ֫שֶׁם noun [masculine] a precious stone in high priest's breast-plate Exodus 28:19; Exodus 39:12 (√ and meaning dubious; ᵐ5 λιγύριον, JosephAnt. iii. 7, 5 λίγυρος, ᵑ9 ligurius, and this (= λυγκούριον, lyncurion ?) compared with carbuncle PlinNH viii. 57 -38; identification with amber Demostratus in PlinNH xxxvii 11(2), or with jacinth (Revelation 21:20) BraunDe Vest. Sacerd. ii. 14 WinerRWBi. 332; compare further, DiExodus 28:19). Topical Lexicon Definition and Description Lěšem is the Hebrew term for a precious stone set on the High Priest’s breastpiece, commonly rendered “jacinth” (a zircon-type gem that ranges in fiery red-orange to deep blue-violet hues). Its luminosity and durability suited the priestly ornament that bore the names of the twelve tribes “for a memorial before the LORD continually” (Exodus 28:29). Biblical Usage • Exodus 28:19 records the divine command: “the third row shall be a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst.” These two verses constitute the stone’s entire Old Testament record, underscoring its specialized cultic role rather than common commercial use. Setting within the High Priest’s Breastpiece 1. Placement Third row, first position, mounted in gold filigree. Symbolic and Theological Significance • Divine Remembrance The gem bears witness that God keeps every tribe in view; no segment of His covenant people is forgotten. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient lapidaries prized jacinth for its hot, fire-like hue, associating it with the setting sun and courage in battle. Egyptian and Near-Eastern sources list similar stones among royal insignia, so its inclusion on Israel’s high priest denotes both splendor and separation: Israel’s cultic leader bore regalia matching royal quality yet devoted solely to Yahweh’s service. New Testament Echoes Revelation 9:17 describes armored horsemen whose breastplates were “fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow.” Revelation 21:20 lists jacinth as one foundation stone of the New Jerusalem. The gemstone thus migrates from Aaron’s vestments to eschatological architecture, portraying continuity between old and new covenants and culminating in the Lamb’s consummated priesthood. Lessons for Ministry Today • Intercession Just as the high priest carried lěšem inscribed with a tribal name, Christian leaders are called to bear believers on their hearts in prayer, remembering individuals before the throne of grace. Forms and Transliterations לֶ֥שֶׁם לשם le·šem lešem LeshemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:19 HEB: וְהַטּ֖וּר הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י לֶ֥שֶׁם שְׁב֖וֹ וְאַחְלָֽמָה׃ NAS: row a jacinth, an agate KJV: row a ligure, an agate, INT: row and the third A jacinth an agate and an amethyst Exodus 39:12 2 Occurrences |
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