Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, precious stones are often mentioned in relation to their beauty, value, and symbolic significance. These stones were used in various religious and cultural artifacts, including the garments of the high priest, the construction of the Temple, and in descriptions of heavenly visions. Below is a partial catalogue of precious stones as referenced in the Bible, with their significance and context.1. Sapphire: Known for its deep blue color, the sapphire is mentioned in several biblical passages. In Exodus 24:10, the appearance of the God of Israel is described as having a pavement of sapphire stone, clear as the sky itself. The sapphire is also one of the stones set in the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:18). 2. Emerald: This green stone is noted for its vibrant color and is associated with beauty and value. In Revelation 4:3, the One seated on the throne is described as having an appearance like jasper and carnelian, with a rainbow resembling an emerald encircling the throne. 3. Ruby: Often associated with wisdom and beauty, rubies are mentioned in Job 28:18, where wisdom is said to be more valuable than rubies. Proverbs 31:10 also compares the worth of a virtuous woman to that of rubies. 4. Topaz: This yellow or golden stone is included in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17). In Job 28:19, the topaz of Cush is mentioned, emphasizing its rarity and value. 5. Diamond: Known for its hardness and brilliance, the diamond is referenced in Jeremiah 17:1, where the sin of Judah is described as being engraved with an iron tool, inscribed with a diamond point. 6. Beryl: A stone of various colors, beryl is mentioned in Ezekiel 1:16, where the wheels of the cherubim are described as having the appearance of beryl. It is also one of the stones in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:20). 7. Jasper: This stone is noted for its opaque and varied colors. In Revelation 21:11, the New Jerusalem is described as having the glory of God, with its brilliance like that of a very precious jasper stone, clear as crystal. 8. Onyx: Known for its layered appearance, onyx is mentioned in Genesis 2:12 as being found in the land of Havilah. It is also one of the stones set in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:20). 9. Chalcedony: This stone is mentioned in Revelation 21:19 as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. It is known for its waxy luster and can be found in a variety of colors. 10. Amethyst: A purple stone, amethyst is included in the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20). It is often associated with royalty and spirituality. These precious stones, among others, are not only valued for their physical beauty but also hold deep symbolic meanings within the biblical narrative. They are often used to convey the splendor of God's creation, the richness of His promises, and the beauty of His divine presence. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 28:13You have been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of your tabrets and of your pipes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. Nave's Topical Index Library Rom. Iii. 18-Sep Gospel Missions The Dawn of Mind The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Christ a Complete Saviour: Resources What does the Bible say about stoning? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any spiritual significance to birthstones? | GotQuestions.org What was the purpose of Stonehenge? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Stones of Christ, "A Tested Stone" "A Precious Stone" "A Sure Foundation, " Stones of Christ, the Water of Life Stones of Christ's Rejection, the Rejected Conerstone Stones of Temptation, "Stone of Stumbling" Stones of the Impenitent Heart Stones of the Witness of the Spirit, the White Stone Stones used for Closing Graves Stones used for Weighing (Margin) Stones used in Building Altars Stones: Commandments Engraved Upon Stones: Great, As Landmarks (Some Hebrew Mss Have "Abel") Stones: Great, in Solomon's Temple Stones: Hewers (Stone-Cutters) of Stones: Magnificent, in Herod the Great's Temple Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Precious in the Crowns of Kings Stones: Precious: Exported from Sheba Stones: Precious: Partial Catalogue of Stones: Precious: Seen in the Foundation of the New Jerusalem in John's Apocalyptic Vision Stones: Precious: Voluntary offerings of, by the Israelites for the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Prepared in the Quarries Stones: Symbolical of the Kingdom of Christ Stones: The Law of Moses Written Upon Stones: Thrown Upon Accursed Ground Related Terms |