Lexical Summary eqdach: Firebrand, burning stick Original Word: אֶקְדָּח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance carbuncle From qiddah; burning, i.e. A carbuncle or other fiery gem -- carbuncle. see HEBREW qiddah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qadach Definition a fiery glow, sparkle NASB Translation crystal (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶקְדָּח noun [masculine] perhaps fiery glow, sparkle; אַבְנֵי אֶקְדָּֽת Isaiah 54:12 i.e. carbuncles (?); — ᵐ5 λίθους κρυστάλλου, ᵑ9 lapides sculptos Aq Theod Sym. קדם (√ of following; be before, in front, compare Assyrian ‡udmu front, former time; Arabic 1a); Sabean קדם begin HomChreat, 126, march forth, advance, CISiv, No 79,1. 9 SabDenkmNo. 9, 1.2.4.6.7.8.9, קדמ(הוׅ front CISiv, No. 276, 1.2; Phoenician כקדם as formerly (?); Old Aramaic קדם before, so Palmyrene, Nabataean; Biblical Aramaic, ᵑ7 קֳדָם before; Syriac Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence אֶקְדָּח appears once, in Isaiah 54:12: “I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones”. The verse stands within a prophecy of Zion’s restoration (Isaiah 54:1-17), where imagery of a barren woman becoming fruitful is followed by the promise of an everlasting covenant of peace. The singular use of the gem heightens its focus: it represents the glory, stability, and covenantal beauty of the renewed Jerusalem. Physical and Symbolic Characteristics Ancient writers used the term for a fiery red gemstone—commonly identified with the modern ruby or red garnet—prized for its brilliance and durability. In Scripture, red stones often evoke notions of life, blood, and covenant (compare Exodus 28:17-20; Revelation 21:19-20). The brilliance of אֶקְדָּח conveys a radiance that becomes a metaphor for divine presence and holiness. Historical Background Rubies were imported into the Near East through Arabian and Indian trade routes. They adorned royal garments, palace walls, and temple treasures, communicating wealth and authority. Isaiah’s audience—many facing exile—would have regarded the prospect of municipal architecture studded with jewels as unimaginable apart from a miraculous act of God. The promise thus functions both as a literal pledge of lavish restoration and as a rhetorical device underscoring the Lord’s unmatched ability to reverse Israel’s shame. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Renewal: The gemstone is set in the context of the “covenant of peace” (Isaiah 54:10). Its permanence illustrates the irrevocable nature of God’s promise. Christological Connections The ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah 54 occurs in the Messiah, through whom the desolation of sin is reversed. Just as the city is beautified with rubies, believers are made “a chosen people, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). In Him, God’s dwelling with humanity shines more brightly than any earthly jewel. Ministry Application • Hope for Restoration: Pastors may cite Isaiah 54:12 to assure believers that present afflictions will give way to incomparable glory (Romans 8:18). Typological and Practical Insights The isolated appearance of אֶקְדָּח heightens its typological weight. Though rare, it points to universal truths: God adorns what He redeems, He protects what He promises, and He finishes what He begins. Such truths fortify faith amid trials and inspire expectation of the day when, in Christ, every stone—literal or living—will radiate His glory. Forms and Transliterations אֶקְדָּ֑ח אקדח ’eq·dāḥ ’eqdāḥ ekDachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 54:12 HEB: וּשְׁעָרַ֖יִךְ לְאַבְנֵ֣י אֶקְדָּ֑ח וְכָל־ גְּבוּלֵ֖ךְ NAS: And your gates of crystal, And your entire INT: and your gates stones of crystal and your entire wall |
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precede (so Ethiopic 
), IV, see be bold and foremost in attack (קָדַם 
precede; Late Hebrew קָדַם be in front).