There is symbolism in everything about the Sanctuary and its services and the Priests who ministered there. Here is a study about the stones in the High Priest’s Breastplate. There are varying perspectives on this because it is difficult to know exactly what particular stones are referred to from the Hebrew words or what color they were. We looked into multiple commentaries, dictionaries, and lexicons including the Ancient Hebrew Lexicon which gives word meanings based on the ancient Hebrew pictographic characters. We were fascinated by some of the implications that emerged. There seemed to be many characteristics and functions of Christ’s ministry on our behalf that are implied by each of those stones. We share this study not as “orthodox” theology but as another perspective on the incredibly rich mine of truth in the Sanctuary.
And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes. Exodus 28:15-21
Sardius
*H124 אֹדֶם ‘ôdem o’-dem
From H119; redness, that is, the ruby, garnet, or some other red gem: – sardius.
H119 אָדַם ‘âdam aw-dam’
To show blood (in the face), that is, flush or turn rosy: – be (dyed, made) red (ruddy).
H120 אָדָם ‘âdâm aw-dawm’
From H119; ruddy, that is, a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.): – X another, + hypocrite, + common sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.
H121 אָדָם ‘âdâm aw-dawm’
The same as H120; Adam, the name of the first man, also of a place in Palestine: – Adam.
**AHLB 1082 “blood” “red” a red precious stone
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Romans 5:14, 15
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:45-47
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:11-15
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone (sardius ASV): and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4:2, 3
Sardius: Jesus became the second Adam, taking on sinful human flesh, and shedding his blood for us.
Topaz
H6357 פִּטְדָה piṭdâh pit-daw’
Of foreign derivation; a gem, probably the topaz: – topaz.
AHLB 2603 Pitdah: An unknown precious stone.
***TSK Pitdah, is constantly rendered by the LXX τοπαζιον, and Vulgate, topazius, with which agrees Josephus. The topaz is a precious stone, of a pale, dead green, with a mixture of yellow, sometimes of a fine yellow; and hence called chrysolyte by the moderns, from its gold colour.
Topaz: ????
Carbuncle
H1304 בָּרְקַת בָּרְקַת bâreqath bâreqath baw-reh’-keth, baw-rek-ath’
From H1300; a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald: – carbuncle.
H1300 בָּרָק bârâq baw-rawk’
From H1299; lightning; by analogy a gleam; concretely a flashing sword: – bright, glitter (-ing, sword), lightning.
AHLB 2041 The shining flash of a sword as it is thrust.
Barqet: An unknown gem probably from its shining.
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; Revelation 1:16-19
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Revelation 2:15, 16
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians 6:17
Carbuncle: Jesus, the Word, became a man; His word is a sword, dividing and pruning.
Emerald
H5306 נֹפֶךְ nôphek no’-fek
From an unused root meaning to glisten; shining; a gem, probably the garnet: – emerald.
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4:2, 3
Again, as the Holy Spirit rested upon the prophet, he sees a door opened in heaven, and hears a voice calling him to look upon the things which shall be hereafter. And he says, “Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone.” Ministering angels were around about Him, waiting and eager to do His will, while the rainbow of God’s promise, which was a token of His covenant with Noah, was seen by John encircling the throne on high—a pledge of God’s mercy to every repentant, believing soul. It is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” It declares to the whole world that God will never forget His people in their struggle with evil. Manuscript 100, 1893
As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; man could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God. AG 70
The One who has stood as our Intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is soon to cease His work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom His people have looked will assume His right–the office of Supreme Judge. RH 1/1/89
Emerald: Jesus came to renew the Covenant of mercy and justice with His people.
Sapphire
H5601 סַפִּיר sappı̂yr sap-peer’
From H5608; a gem (perhaps as used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire: – sapphire.
H5608 סָפַר sâphar saw-far’
A primitive root; properly to score with a mark as a tally or record, that is, (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively to recount, that is, celebrate: – commune, (ac-) count, declare, number, + penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer.
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. Exodus 24:10
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. Ezekiel 1:26
Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. Ezekiel 10:1
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. Numbers 15:38-40
Sapphire: God’s Law is the foundation of His throne, His government. Jesus is God and perfectly lived the Law, showing us the basis for righteousness.
Diamond
H3095 יַהֲלֹם yahălôm yah-hal-ome’
From H1986 (in the sense of hardness); a precious stone, probably onyx: – diamond.
H1986 הָלַם hâlam haw-lam’
A primitive root; to strike down; by implication to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband: – beat (down), break (down), overcome, smite (with the hammer).
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Revelation 6:2
And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. Revelation 14:18-20
Diamond: Jesus has conquered the world, sin, and death.
Ligure
H3958 לֶשֶׁם leshem leh’-shem
From an unused root of uncertain meaning; a gem, perhaps the jacinth: – ligure.
AHLB 2324 An unknown stone.
Fausett’s Bible Cyclopedia: Ligure—magnetic amber stone, drawing wood, iron and brass.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32
Ligure: Jesus draws all men to himself.
Agate
H7618 שְׁבוּ shebû sheb-oo’
From an unused root (probably identical with that of H7617 through the idea of subdivision into flashes or streamers (compare H7632)) meaning to flame; a gem (from its sparkle), probably the agate: – agate.
H7617 שָׁבָה shâbâh shaw-baw’
A primitive root; to transport into captivity: – (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive (-s), drive (take) away.
H7632 שָׁבִיב shâbı̂yb shaw-beeb’
From the same as H7616; flame (as split into tongues): – spark.
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Psalm 68:18
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Ephesians 4:8
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Revelation 3:1
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Revelation 5:6
Agate: Jesus conquered all enemies and freed their captives. He was filled with the Spirit and gifted the Spirit to His people symbolized by the flames of fire.
Amethyst
H306 אַחְלָמָה ‘achlâmâh akh-law’-maw
Perhaps from H2492 (and thus dream stone); a gem, probably the amethyst: – amethyst.
H2492 חָלַם châlam khaw-lam’
A primitive root; properly to bind firmly, that is, (by implication) to be (causatively to make) plump; also (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream: – (cause to) dream (-er), be in good liking, recover.
AHLB 2164 Dream: {str: 2492}
An unknown gem probably in the sense of gazing. amethyst| {str: 306}
A vision is to gaze at something. To have visions from God is to be in good favor. This maybe included in the idea along with dreams. It seems to possibly refer to prophesying.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Matthew 5:17
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27
Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Acts 3:24
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43
Amethyst: Jesus fulfilled the dreams and visions of the prophets regarding the Messiah.
Beryl
H8658 תַּרְשִׁישׁ tarshı̂ysh tar-sheesh’
Probably of foreign derivation (compare H8659); a gem, perhaps the topaz: – beryl.
The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. Ezekiel 1:16
And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone. Ezekiel 10:9
As the wheel-like complications were under the guidance of the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, so the complicated play of human events is under divine control. Amidst the strife and tumult of nations, He that sitteth above the cherubim still guides the affairs of the earth. [See Ezekiel 1:4, 26; 10:8; Daniel 4:17, 25, 32.] Ed 178
God is acquainted with every man. Could our eyes be opened we would see that eternal justice is at work in our world. A powerful influence, not under man’s control, is working. Man may fancy that he is directing matters, but there are higher than human influences at work. The servants of God know that He is working to counteract Satan’s plans. Those who know not God cannot comprehend His movements. There is at work a wheel within a wheel. Apparently the complication of machinery is so intricate that man can see only a complete entanglement. But the divine hand, as seen by the prophet Ezekiel, is placed upon the wheels, and every part moves in complete harmony, each doing its specified work, yet with individual freedom of action. 4BC 1161
Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. Daniel 10:5. 6
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:38-40
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18
Beryl: God’s will and His control over the affairs of this world result in order and harmony. Jesus always did His Father’s will and all the affairs on earth are now in His hands.
Onyx
H7718 שֹׁהַם shôham sho’-ham
From an unused root probably meaning to blanch; a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color): – onyx.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. Daniel 7:9
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. Mark 9:2, 3
Christ emptied Himself, and took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. As the high priest, after performing his service in the holy of holies, came forth to the waiting congregation in his pontifical robes, so Christ will come the second time clothed in glorious garments of the whitest white, “such as no fuller on earth can whiten them.” He will come in His own glory, and in the glory of His Father, as King of kings and Lord of lords, and all the angelic host will escort Him on His way. Ms 113, 1899
A little longer, and we shall have a robe of purity, whiter than any fuller on earth could whiten it. It is the garment woven in the loom of heaven, not to cover over our sins, for Jesus takes away the sin of the world, but to clothe us in the righteousness of Christ. I want to behold him until I shall be changed into his likeness; for by beholding we become changed. We should talk of the crown of life, of the heaven of bliss that awaits the faithful. May God help us to press the battle to the gate. He will place the crown of life upon our heads as we proclaim, “Worthy, worthy is the Conqueror.” We shall exclaim, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” ST 4/23/94
Onyx: God offers to whiten our stained, filthy garments and also offers us the perfectly white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
Jasper
H3471 יָשְׁפֵה yâshphêh yaw-shef-ay’
From an unused root meaning to polish; a gem supposed to be jasper (from the resemblance in name): – jasper.
And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4:3
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; Revelation 21:10, 11
Jasper: Jesus revealed God’s glory.
Summary
Sardius: red, blood, man, Adam
Jesus became the second Adam, taking on sinful human flesh, and shedding his blood for us.
Topaz: ????
Carbuncle: the flash of a sword
Jesus, the Word, became a man; His word is a sword, dividing and pruning.
Emerald: a rainbow (a symbol of the covenant) like an emerald
Jesus came to renew the Covenant of mercy and justice with His people.
Sapphire: God’s Law
God’s Law is the foundation of His throne, His government. Jesus is God and perfectly lived the Law, showing us the basis for righteousness.
Diamond: to strike and overcome
Jesus has conquered the world, sin, and death.
Ligure: magnetic
Jesus draws all men to himself.
Agate: separate flashes of fire; separating captives from captors
Jesus conquered all enemies and freed their captives. He was filled with the Spirit and gifted the Spirit to His people symbolized by the flames of fire.
Amethyst: to dream, have a vision
Jesus fulfilled the dreams and visions of the prophets regarding the Messiah.
Beryl: God’s perfect control
God’s will and His control over the affairs of this world result in order and harmony. Jesus always did His Father’s will and all the affairs on earth are now in His hands.
Onyx: to whiten
God offers to whiten our stained, filthy garments and also offers us the perfectly white robe of Christ’s righteousness.
Jasper: glory
Jesus revealed God’s glory.
| CARBUNCLE bâreqath FLASHING SWORD | TOPAZ piṭdâh ? | SARDIUS ‘ôdem BLOOD, ADAM |
| DIAMOND yahălôm OVERCOME | SAPPHIRE sappı̂yr GOD’S LAW | EMERALD nôphek COVENANT |
| AMETHYST ‘achlâmâh VISIONS | AGATE shebû RELEASE CAPTIVES | LIGURE leshem MAGNET |
| JASPER yâshphêh GLORY | ONYX shôham WHITEN | BERYL tarshı̂ysh GOD’S CONTROL |
Key to Resource Abbreviations
*H followed by a number–Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary
**AHLB–The Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible by Jeff Benner
***TSK–Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge