Topical Bible: Topaz: A Precious Stone

◄ Topaz: A Precious Stone ►

Jump to: Nave's • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Topaz is a gemstone mentioned in the Bible, known for its beauty and value. It is often associated with wealth and divine craftsmanship. In biblical times, topaz was highly prized and considered one of the most precious stones.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 28:17 · In the description of the High Priest's breastplate, topaz is listed as one of the stones set in the first row: "And mount on it a setting of gemstones—four rows of stones: The first row shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald."

2. Exodus 39:10 · This verse reiterates the placement of topaz in the High Priest's breastplate, emphasizing its importance in the priestly garments: "And they mounted on it four rows of gemstones: The first row had a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald."

3. Job 28:19 · Topaz is mentioned in the context of wisdom and value, highlighting its worth: "The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be valued in pure gold."

4. Ezekiel 28:13 · In a lament over the King of Tyre, topaz is listed among the precious stones that adorned him, symbolizing beauty and splendor: "You were in Eden, the garden of God; every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond; beryl, onyx, and jasper; sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day you were created."

Symbolism and Significance:

In the Bible, topaz is often associated with beauty, wealth, and divine favor. Its inclusion in the High Priest's breastplate signifies its spiritual importance, as the breastplate was a sacred garment used in the service of God. The mention of topaz in the context of wisdom in Job underscores its value beyond mere physical beauty, suggesting a deeper, intrinsic worth.

The reference in Ezekiel to the King of Tyre adorned with topaz and other precious stones serves as a metaphor for the king's former glory and the divine craftsmanship that adorned him. This imagery reflects the belief that such stones were not only valuable but also a testament to God's creative power.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Topaz in ancient times was likely sourced from regions known for their gemstone deposits, such as Cush (modern-day Ethiopia or Sudan). The stone's mention alongside other precious gems indicates its high status and desirability in the ancient world.

In biblical symbolism, precious stones like topaz often represent the beauty and perfection of God's creation. They are used to convey the splendor of divine craftsmanship and the richness of God's blessings upon His people.

Conclusion:

Topaz, as depicted in the Bible, is more than just a precious stone; it is a symbol of divine beauty, wisdom, and value. Its presence in sacred texts underscores its significance in the spiritual and cultural life of the biblical world.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 28:13
You 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

Revelation 21:20
The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew

6357. pitdah -- (a precious stone) perhaps topaz
... 6356, 6357. pitdah. 6358 . (a precious stone) perhaps topaz. Transliteration:
pitdah Phonetic Spelling: (pit-daw') Short Definition: topaz. ...
/hebrew/6357.htm - 5k

8658. tarshish -- (a precious stone) perhaps yellow jasper
... a precious stone) perhaps yellow jasper NASB Word Usage beryl (6). beryl. Probably
of foreign derivation (compare Tarshiysh); a gem, perhaps the topaz -- beryl. ...
/hebrew/8658.htm - 6k

Library

The New Jerusalem.
... foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of precious stone. ...
seventh, a chrysolite; the eighth, a beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin ...
... "Every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond,
the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x another cavil met i e.htm

Of the Fall of the Devil and the Angels.
... Thou wast in the pleasures of the paradise of God: every precious stone was thy
covering: the sardius, the topaz and the jasper, the chrysolyte and the onyx ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter viii of the fall 2.htm

Ain.
... For this is read in another Psalm also, "Above gold and exceeding precious stones."
[5317] For topaz is a stone considered very precious. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/ain.htm

The People of the New Earth
... the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of precious
stone. ... the eighth, a beryl (of a sea-green colour): the ninth, a topaz (to-day ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the new.htm

Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments.
... and set in necklaces, amethysts, ceraunites, jaspers, topaz, and the ... stones, and
these colours are precious; while the ... gold, and the sea hides the pearl-stone. ...
/.../the instructor paedagogus/chapter xiiiagainst excessive fondness for.htm

Of the Praise of Solitary Life and of the First Lovers Thereof ...
... Truly they are like the stone that is called topaz, the which is seldom found, and
therefore it is held most precious and full dear, in which are two colours ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xiv of the praise.htm

The Seventh Book
... thou hast been the seal of likeness, and a crown of beauty in the delights of paradise;
every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius and topaz and emerald ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

The Absurdity and Shamefulness of the Images by which the Gods are ...
... were fragments of sapphire, and hematite, and emerald, and topaz. ... or iron, or brass,
or ivory, or precious stones? ... The Parian stone is beautiful, but it is not ...
/.../exhortation to the heathen/chapter iv the absurdity and shamefulness.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as ... city were garnished with
all manner of precious stones ... the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm