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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\tAnd\nthou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after\nthe work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of\npurple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.\nFoursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length\nthereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set\nin it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row\nshall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first\nrow. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a\ndiamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And\nthe fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set\nin gold in their inclosings. And the stones shall be with the names\nof the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the\nengravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be\naccording to the twelve tribes. <\/em>\nExodus 28:15-21<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sardius<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n *H124<\/strong> \u05d0\u05b9\u05d3\u05b6\u05dd ‘\u00f4dem o’-dem<\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nH119; redness<\/em>,\nthat is, the ruby<\/em>,\ngarnet<\/em>,\nor some other red gem: – sardius.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H119\n <\/strong>\u05d0\u05b8\u05d3\u05b7\u05dd\n ‘\u00e2dam\n aw-dam’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n To\nshow blood<\/em>\n(in the face), that is, flush<\/em>\nor turn rosy: – be (dyed, made) red (ruddy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n H120\n <\/strong>\u05d0\u05b8\u05d3\u05b8\u05dd\n ‘\u00e2d\u00e2m\n aw-dawm’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nH119; ruddy<\/em>,\nthat is, a human\nbeing<\/em>\n(an individual or the species, mankind<\/em>,\netc.): – X another, + hypocrite, + common sort, X low, man (mean, of\nlow degree), person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H121\n <\/strong>\u05d0\u05b8\u05d3\u05b8\u05dd\n ‘\u00e2d\u00e2m\n aw-dawm’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nsame as H120<\/a>;\nAdam<\/em>,\nthe name of the first man, also of a place in Palestine: – Adam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n **AHLB 1082<\/strong> \u201cblood\u201d \u201cred\u201d a red precious stone<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tNevertheless\ndeath reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned\nafter the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of\nhim that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free\ngift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the\ngrace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus\nChrist, hath abounded unto many.<\/em> Romans 5:14, 15<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tFor\nas in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But\nevery man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they\nthat are Christ’s at his coming. <\/em> 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nso it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last\nAdam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which\nis spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is\nspiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is\nthe Lord from heaven. <\/em> 1 Corinthians 15:45-47<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tBut\nChrist being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater\nand more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not\nof this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by\nhis own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained\neternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats,\nand the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the\npurifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who\nthrough the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge\nyour conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this\ncause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of\ndeath, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the\nfirst testament, they which are called might receive the promise of\neternal inheritance.<\/em> Hebrews 9:11-15<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nimmediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in\nheaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon\nlike a jasper and a sardine stone <\/em>(sardius\nASV): and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in\nsight like unto an emerald.<\/em> Revelation 4:2, 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tSardius:\n Jesus became the second Adam, taking on sinful human flesh, and\nshedding his blood for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Topaz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n H6357\n <\/strong>\u05e4\u05b4\u05bc\u05d8\u05b0\u05d3\u05b8\u05d4\n pi\u1e6dd\u00e2h\n pit-daw’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Of\nforeign derivation; a gem<\/em>,\nprobably the topaz:\n– <\/em>topaz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AHLB\n2603<\/strong> Pitdah: An\nunknown precious stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ***TSK<\/strong> Pitdah, is constantly rendered by the LXX \u03c4\u03bf\u03c0\u03b1\u03b6\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tTopaz:\n ????<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carbuncle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n H1304<\/strong>\n \u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05b0\u05e7\u05b7\u05ea\n \u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05b0\u05e7\u05b7\u05ea b\u00e2re<\/sup>qath\nb\u00e2re<\/sup>qath\n baw-reh’-keth, baw-rek-ath’<\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nH1300; a gem (as flashing<\/em>),\nperhaps the emerald:\n– <\/em>carbuncle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H1300<\/strong>\n \u05d1\u05b8\u05bc\u05e8\u05b8\u05e7\n b\u00e2r\u00e2q\n baw-rawk’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nH1299; lightning<\/em>; by\nanalogy a gleam<\/em>;\nconcretely a flashing<\/em>\nsword: – bright, glitter (-ing, sword), lightning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AHLB\n2041<\/strong> The shining flash of a sword as it is thrust. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barqet:\nAn unknown gem probably from its shining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nhe had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a\nsharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in\nhis strength. <\/em>And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.\nAnd he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am\nthe first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and,\nbehold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and\nof death. <\/em>Write the things which thou hast seen, and the\nthings which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;<\/em> \nRevelation 1:16-19<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tSo\nhast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which\nthing I hate. <\/em>Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly,\nand will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.<\/em> \nRevelation 2:15, 16<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tFor\nthe word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged\nsword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and\nof the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and\nintents of the heart. <\/em> Hebrews 4:12<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\ntake the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is\nthe word of God: <\/em> Ephesians 6:17<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tCarbuncle:\n Jesus, the Word, became a man; His word is a sword, dividing and\npruning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nEmerald<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n H5306\n <\/strong>\u05e0\u05b9\u05e4\u05b6\u05da\u05b0\n n\u00f4phek\n no’-fek<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nan unused root meaning to glisten<\/em>;\nshining<\/em>;\na gem, probably the garnet:\n– <\/em>emerald.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nimmediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in\nheaven, and one sat on the throne. <\/em>And he that sat was to look\nupon like a jasp<\/em>er and a\nsardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in\nsight like unto an emerald. <\/em>\nRevelation 4:2, 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAgain,\nas the Holy Spirit rested upon the prophet, he sees a door opened in\nheaven, and hears a voice calling him to look upon the things which\nshall be hereafter. And he says, \u201cBehold, a throne was set in\nheaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon\nlike a jasper and a sardine stone.\u201d Ministering angels were around\nabout Him, waiting and eager to do His will, while the rainbow of\nGod\u2019s promise, which was a token of His covenant with Noah, was\nseen by John encircling the throne on high\u2014<\/em>a pledge of\nGod\u2019s mercy to every repentant, believing soul. <\/em>It is an\neverlasting testimony that \u201cGod so loved the world, that he gave\nhis only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not\nperish, but have everlasting life.\u201d It declares to the whole world\nthat God will never forget His people in their struggle with evil. \n<\/em>Manuscript 100, 1893<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAs\nthe bow in the cloud is formed by the<\/em> union of the sunlight\nand the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the\ncombined power of mercy and justice.<\/em> It is not justice\nalone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of\nthe rainbow of promise above the throne; man could see only the\npenalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be\nno stability to the government of God.<\/em> AG 70<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tThe\nOne who has stood as our Intercessor; who hears all penitential\nprayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the\nsymbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is soon to cease His\nwork in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend\nfrom the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom His\npeople have looked will assume His right–the office of Supreme\nJudge. <\/em>RH 1\/1\/89<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tEmerald:\n Jesus came to renew the Covenant of mercy and justice with His\npeople.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nSapphire<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n H5601\n <\/strong>\u05e1\u05b7\u05e4\u05b4\u05bc\u05d9\u05e8\n sapp\u0131\u0302yr\n sap-peer’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nH5608<\/a>;\na gem<\/em>\n(perhaps as used for scratching<\/em>\nother substances), probably the sapphire:\n– <\/em>sapphire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H5608\n <\/strong>\u05e1\u05b8\u05e4\u05b7\u05e8\n s\u00e2phar\n saw-far’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A\nprimitive root; properly to score<\/em>\nwith a mark as a tally or record, that is, (by implication) to\ninscribe<\/em>,\nand also to enumerate<\/em>;\nintensively to recount<\/em>,\nthat is, celebrate:\n– <\/em>commune,\n(ac-) count, declare, number, + penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth,\nspeak, talk, tell (out), writer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nthey saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a\npaved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in\nhis clearness.<\/em> Exodus 24:10<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nabove the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a\nthrone, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness\nof the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon\nit. <\/em> Ezekiel 1:26<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tThen\nI looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of\nthe cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone,\nas the appearance of the likeness of a throne.<\/em> Ezekiel 10:1<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tSpeak\nunto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes\nin the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and\nthat they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: <\/em>And\nit shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and\nremember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye\nseek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use\nto go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments,\nand be holy unto your God. <\/em> Numbers 15:38-40<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tSapphire:\n God’s Law is the foundation of His throne, His government. Jesus is\nGod and perfectly lived the Law, showing us the basis for\nrighteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nDiamond<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n H3095\n <\/strong>\u05d9\u05b7\u05d4\u05b2\u05dc\u05b9\u05dd\n yah\u0103l\u00f4m\n yah-hal-ome’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nH1986<\/a>\n(in the sense of hardness<\/em>);\na precious stone, probably onyx:\n– <\/em>diamond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H1986\n <\/strong>\u05d4\u05b8\u05dc\u05b7\u05dd\n h\u00e2lam\n haw-lam’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A\nprimitive root; to strike<\/em>\ndown; by implication to hammer<\/em>,\nstamp<\/em>,\nconquer<\/em>,\ndisband: – <\/em>beat\n(down), break (down), overcome, smite (with the hammer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tThese\nthings I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the\nworld ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have\novercome the world.<\/em> John 16:33<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tTo\nhim that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as\nI also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. <\/em>\nRevelation 3:21<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tI\nam he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for\nevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. <\/em>\nRevelation 1:18<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nI saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow;\nand a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to\nconquer.<\/em> Revelation 6:2<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nanother angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and\ncried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying,\nThrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of\nthe earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. <\/em>And the angel thrust\nin his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and\ncast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the\nwinepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the\nwinepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand\nand six hundred furlongs. <\/em> Revelation 14:18-20<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tDiamond:\n Jesus has conquered the world, sin, and death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nLigure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n H3958\n <\/strong>\u05dc\u05b6\u05e9\u05b6\u05c1\u05dd\n leshem\n leh’-shem<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nan unused root of uncertain meaning; a gem<\/em>,\nperhaps the jacinth:\n– <\/em>ligure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AHLB\n2324<\/strong>\nAn unknown stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fausett’s\nBible Cyclopedia<\/strong>: Ligure\u2014magnetic amber stone, drawing wood,\niron and brass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tCome\nunto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you\nrest.<\/em> Matthew 11:28<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nI, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. <\/em>\nJohn 12:32<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tLigure:\n Jesus draws all men to himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nAgate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n H7618\n <\/strong>\u05e9\u05b0\u05c1\u05d1\u05d5\u05bc\n she<\/sup>b\u00fb\n sheb-oo’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nan unused root (probably identical with that of H7617<\/a>\nthrough the idea of subdivision<\/em>\ninto flashes or streamers (compare H7632<\/a>))\nmeaning to flame<\/em>;\na gem<\/em>\n(from its sparkle), probably the agate:\n– <\/em>agate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H7617\n <\/strong>\u05e9\u05b8\u05c1\u05d1\u05b8\u05d4\n sh\u00e2b\u00e2h\n shaw-baw’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A\nprimitive root; to transport<\/em>\ninto captivity: – (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away,\ntake) captive (-s), drive (take) away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H7632\n <\/strong>\u05e9\u05b8\u05c1\u05d1\u05b4\u05d9\u05d1\n sh\u00e2b\u0131\u0302yb\n shaw-beeb’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From\nthe same as H7616<\/a>;\nflame<\/em>\n(as split<\/em>\ninto tongues): – spark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tThou\nhast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast\nreceived gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD\nGod might dwell among them. <\/em>Psalm\n68:18<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tWherefore\nhe saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and\ngave gifts unto men.<\/em> Ephesians\n4:8<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tThe\nSpirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me\nto preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the\nbrokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening\nof the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year\nof the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that\nmourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them\nbeauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise\nfor the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of\nrighteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. <\/em>\nIsaiah 61:1-3<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nwhen the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one\naccord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as\nof a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were\nsitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,\nand it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy\nGhost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them\nutterance.<\/em> Acts 2:1-4<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nunto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he\nthat hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy\nworks, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. <\/em>\nRevelation 3:1<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nI beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts,\nand in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,\nhaving seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God\nsent forth into all the earth.<\/em> \nRevelation 5:6<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAgate:\n Jesus conquered all enemies and freed their captives. He was filled\nwith the Spirit and gifted the Spirit to His people symbolized by the\nflames of fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nAmethyst<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n H306\n <\/strong>\u05d0\u05b7\u05d7\u05b0\u05dc\u05b8\u05de\u05b8\u05d4\n ‘achl\u00e2m\u00e2h\n akh-law’-maw<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps\nfrom H2492<\/a>\n(and thus dream\nstone<\/em>);\na gem, probably the amethyst:\n– <\/em>amethyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n H2492\n <\/strong>\u05d7\u05b8\u05dc\u05b7\u05dd\n ch\u00e2lam\n khaw-lam’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A\nprimitive root; properly to bind<\/em>\nfirmly, that is, (by implication) to be<\/em>\n(causatively to make<\/em>)\nplump<\/em>;\nalso (through the figurative sense of dumbness<\/em>)\nto dream<\/em>:\n– (cause to) dream (-er), be in good liking, recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AHLB\n2164<\/strong> Dream: {str: 2492} \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAn\nunknown gem probably in the sense of gazing. amethyst| {str: 306} \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tA\nvision is to gaze at something. To have visions from God is to be in\ngood favor. This maybe included in the idea along with dreams. It\nseems to possibly refer to prophesying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tThink\nnot that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come\nto destroy, but to fulfil. <\/em> Matthew 5:17<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAnd\nbeginni<\/em>ng at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them\nin all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tYea,\nand all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many\nas have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.<\/em> Acts 3:24<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tTo\nhim give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever\nbelieveth in him shall receive remission of sins. <\/em>\nActs 10:43<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tAmethyst:\n Jesus fulfilled the dreams and visions of the prophets regarding the\nMessiah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beryl<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n H8658\n <\/strong>\u05ea\u05b7\u05bc\u05e8\u05b0\u05e9\u05b4\u05c1\u05d9\u05e9\u05c1\n tarsh\u0131\u0302ysh\n tar-sheesh’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Probably\nof foreign derivation (compare H8659<\/a>);\na gem, perhaps the topaz:\n– <\/em>beryl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \t