Gemstones, Old & New Testament

The Bible mentions several gemstones in both the Old and New Testaments. These gemstones are often associated with adornment, symbolic meanings, or specific religious artifacts. Here are some of the gemstones mentioned in the Bible:

Old Testament

  1. Carnelian (Sardius) - Mentioned in Exodus 28:17 as the first stone on the breastplate of the High Priest's garment.
  2. Topaz - Listed in the breastplate of the High Priest (Exodus 28:19).
  3. Beryl - Also mentioned in the breastplate (Exodus 28:20).
  4. Sapphire - In the breastplate and described as the stone of God's throne in Ezekiel 28:13.
  5. Emerald - Part of the breastplate and described as a precious stone in Ezekiel 28:13.
  6. Jacinth - Another stone in the breastplate (Exodus 28:19).
  7. Agate - Mentioned in Ezekiel 27:16 as a trade gemstone.
  8. Amethyst - Part of the High Priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:19).

New Testament

  1. Jasper - Described in Revelation 4:3 as one of the stones around God's throne.
  2. Sardius (Carnelian) - Mentioned in Revelation 21:20 as the first foundation stone of the New Jerusalem.
  3. Chalcedony - In Revelation 21:19 as one of the foundations of the New Jerusalem.
  4. Emerald - Also part of the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19).

These gemstones often carried symbolic meanings related to beauty, purity, protection, and divine favor. The descriptions in the Bible reflect their cultural, religious, and spiritual significance in the ancient world.

Here’s a list of gemstones mentioned in the Bible along with their religious and symbolic significance:

1. Carnelian (Sardius)

  • Religious Significance: Represented the first stone on the High Priest’s breastplate in the Old Testament. It symbolizes strength and divine protection.

2. Topaz

  • Religious Significance: Listed in the breastplate of the High Priest, it symbolizes the presence of God and divine favor.

3. Beryl

  • Religious Significance: Part of the High Priest’s breastplate, associated with wisdom and divine revelation.

4. Sapphire

  • Religious Significance: Described as the stone of God’s throne in Ezekiel 28:13, symbolizing heaven and divine justice.

5. Emerald

  • Religious Significance: Another stone on the High Priest’s breastplate and one of the foundations of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing rebirth and divine mercy.

6. Jacinth

  • Religious Significance: Found in the breastplate of the High Priest, it is associated with divine light and favor.

7. Agate

  • Religious Significance: Mentioned in Ezekiel 27:16 as a trade gemstone, it symbolizes protection and strength.

8. Amethyst

  • Religious Significance: Part of the High Priest’s breastplate, it is associated with spiritual insight and sobriety.

9. Jasper

  • Religious Significance: Described in Revelation 4:3 as one of the stones around God’s throne, representing purity and divine beauty.

10. Chalcedony

  • Religious Significance: Found in the foundations of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:19, it symbolizes communication and wisdom.

These gemstones were not only valued for their beauty but also for their symbolic meanings, representing different aspects of divine interaction, protection, and holiness in religious contexts.