Lexical Summary tarshish: beryl Original Word: תַּרְשִׁישׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance beryl Probably of foreign derivation (compare Tarshiysh); a gem, perhaps the topaz -- beryl. see HEBREW Tarshiysh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably of foreign origin Definition (a precious stone) perhaps yellow jasper NASB Translation beryl (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. תַּרְשִׁישׁ noun masculine a precious stone, perhaps yellow jasper, or other gold-coloured stone (ᵐ5L Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13 χρυσόλιθοχ, so JosAnt. iii. 7, 5 [168], see PetrieHast. DB STONES, PRECIOUS MyresEncy. Bib. ID. § 17 DrDaniel 10:6); — ׳כְּעֵין ת Ezekiel 1:6; ׳כְּעֵין אֵבֶן ת Ezekiel 10:9; in list of gems Ezekiel 28:13; Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13; in simile of resplendent body Daniel 10:6, compare Songs 5:14. Topical Lexicon Identity of the Stone The noun תַּרְשִׁישׁ designates a precious gem whose hue suggests a shimmering sea-green or golden luster. English versions render it variously as “beryl,” “topaz,” or “chrysolite.” All three minerals share a transparent brilliance that reflects and refracts light, making the stone an apt emblem of glory and purity wherever Scripture employs it. Role in Priestly Service (Exodus 28:20; 39:13) Placed in the fourth row of the high priest’s breastpiece, תַּרְשִׁישׁ was one of the twelve memorial stones borne “over his heart when he enters the Holy Place, as a continual memorial before the LORD” (Exodus 28:29). Its inclusion attests to Israel’s corporate worth before God. Every gem differed in color and character, yet each was set in identical gold filigree, underscoring the unity and equal covenant standing of the tribes. The gemstone’s radiant clarity invites meditation on the holiness required of those who minister in God’s presence and points forward to the “living stones” built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Literary and Poetic Usage (Song of Songs 5:14) The shepherd-king’s arms are praised as “rods of gold set with beryl” (Song of Songs 5:14), a poetic picture mixing strength (rods of gold) with loveliness (beryl inlay). The line evokes the Messiah’s matchless combination of royal authority and gentle beauty. Within marital imagery, the stone thus becomes a symbol of covenant faithfulness—as secure and splendid as the jewel itself. Prophetic Visions and Theophanies (Ezekiel 1:16; 10:9; Daniel 10:6) 1. In Ezekiel’s inaugural vision the wheels beside the cherubim gleam “like beryl” (Ezekiel 1:16; 10:9). The dazzling mobility of God’s throne conveys His omnipresence; the gemlike radiance signals the perfection of His judgments. Edenic Splendor and the Fall of the Anointed Cherub (Ezekiel 28:13) Addressing the king of Tyre, the prophet lists תַּרְשִׁישׁ among nine stones adorning the garden of God. The verse recalls an unfallen order lavished with beauty that was forfeited through pride. The presence of this gem in the catalog positions it as a witness to both original creation glory and the tragedy of rebellion—warning every generation that outward brilliance does not guarantee inward righteousness. Theological and Ministry Significance • Revelation of Divine Character: Each flash of תַּרְשִׁישׁ in Scripture reflects God’s unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16). Ministries centered on His Word must cherish and mirror that light, refusing dull compromise. Occurrence Summary Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13 — Breastpiece stone Song of Songs 5:14 — Poetic metaphor of beauty and strength Ezekiel 1:16; 10:9 — Radiant wheels of the throne-chariot Ezekiel 28:13 — Ornament of Edenic perfection Daniel 10:6 — Appearance of the angelic messenger From priestly garments to prophetic visions, תַּרְשִׁישׁ consistently points to the splendor and holiness of the LORD, calling every generation to worship Him in the beauty of holiness and to await the day when His glory fills the earth as the waters cover the sea. Forms and Transliterations בַּתַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ בתרשיש כְתַרְשִׁ֗ישׁ כתרשיש תַּרְשִֽׁישׁ׃ תַּרְשִׁ֔ישׁ תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ תרשיש תרשיש׃ bat·tar·šîš battarShish battaršîš chetarShish ḵə·ṯar·šîš ḵəṯaršîš tar·šîš tarShish taršîšLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:20 HEB: וְהַטּוּר֙ הָרְבִיעִ֔י תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ וְשֹׁ֖הַם וְיָשְׁפֵ֑ה NAS: row a beryl and an onyx KJV: row a beryl, and an onyx, INT: row and the fourth A beryl and an onyx jasper Exodus 39:13 Songs 5:14 Ezekiel 1:16 Ezekiel 10:9 Ezekiel 28:13 Daniel 10:6 7 Occurrences |
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