Carnelian, a semi-precious gemstone, is mentioned in the Bible as part of the high priest's breastplate and in the description of the New Jerusalem. Known for its rich, reddish-brown color, carnelian is a variety of chalcedony, a mineral in the quartz family. Its vibrant hue and durability made it a popular choice for jewelry and ornamentation in ancient times.

Biblical References:

1. High Priest's Breastplate:
The first biblical mention of carnelian is found in the description of the high priest's breastplate, also known as the breastplate of judgment. This sacred garment, worn by the high priest of Israel, contained twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Exodus 28:17, the Berean Standard Bible states: "And mount on it a setting of gemstones—four rows of stones: The first row shall be a ruby, a topaz, and a carnelian." Here, carnelian is listed as one of the stones in the first row, symbolizing one of the tribes.

2. The New Jerusalem:
Carnelian is also mentioned in the apocalyptic vision of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 21:19-20, the foundations of the city wall are adorned with various precious stones: "The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst." Here, carnelian is the sixth stone, contributing to the splendor and glory of the heavenly city.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical symbolism, carnelian is often associated with qualities such as courage, endurance, and protection. Its fiery color can be seen as a representation of the blood of martyrs or the fire of the Holy Spirit. The inclusion of carnelian in the high priest's breastplate signifies its importance in the religious and cultural context of ancient Israel, serving as a reminder of God's covenant with His people.

The presence of carnelian in the New Jerusalem highlights the beauty and perfection of God's eternal kingdom. Each stone in the foundation of the city wall reflects the diversity and unity of the people of God, with carnelian contributing its unique brilliance to the overall magnificence of the heavenly vision.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient times, carnelian was highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and was often used in seals, signet rings, and amulets. Its durability made it suitable for engraving, and it was believed to possess protective properties. The stone's popularity extended beyond Israel, as it was also prized in other ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and the Romans.

The use of carnelian in biblical artifacts and descriptions underscores its significance in the religious and cultural life of the ancient Near East. Its enduring appeal continues to captivate people today, as it remains a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items.(n.) A variety of chalcedony, of a clear, deep red, flesh red, or reddish white color. It is moderately hard, capable of a good polish, and often used for seals.4556. sardion -- sard, a sardian (stone)
... sard, a sardian (stone). Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: sardion Phonetic
Spelling: (sar'-dee-os) Short Definition: carnelian Definition: carnelian ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4556.htm - 6k124. odem -- a carnelian
... 123, 124. odem. 125 . a carnelian. Transliteration: odem Phonetic Spelling:
(o'-dem) Short Definition: ruby. Word Origin from the ...
/hebrew/124.htm - 6k

Introduction.
... These precious stones have been identified as follows, taking the High Priest's
breastplate: i. 1. Red carnelian 2. Chrysolite (greenish-yellow) 3. Emerald ii. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 4.htm

The Treasure Cave
... masks from sarcophagi"all of gold; images of Isis in lapis lazuli and amethyst;
scarabs in garnets and hematite, Khem in obsidian, Bast in carnelian, Besa in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xx the treasure cave.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... gauze. She wore not one, but many kinds of jewels, and her anklets and armlets
tinkled with fringes of cats and hawks in carnelian. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Carnelian (5 Occurrences)
...Carnelian (5 Occurrences). ... Exodus 39:10 And on it they put four lines of stones:
in the first line was a carnelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (BBE JPS). ...
/c/carnelian.htm - 8k

Lines (42 Occurrences)
... Exodus 39:10 And on it they put four lines of stones: in the first line was
a carnelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (BBE). Leviticus ...
/l/lines.htm - 19k

Emerald (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 39:10 And on it they put four lines of stones: in the first line was
a carnelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (BBE DBY NAS). ...
/e/emerald.htm - 10k

Chrysolite (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY NIV). Exodus 39:10 And on it they put four lines of stones: in the first
line was a carnelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (BBE). ...
/c/chrysolite.htm - 10k

Carnion
Carnion. Carnelian, Carnion. Carouse . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CARNION.
kar'-ni-on. See CARNAIM. Carnelian, Carnion. Carouse . Reference Bible
/c/carnion.htm - 6k

Carnally (5 Occurrences)

/c/carnally.htm - 8k

Sardoin (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Sard; carnelian. Multi-Version Concordance
Sardoin (2 Occurrences). Exodus 28:17 And thou shalt set ...
/s/sardoin.htm - 7k

Sardius (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A precious stone, probably a carnelian, one of which
was set in Aaron's breastplate. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/s/sardius.htm - 8k

Sardonyx (1 Occurrence)
... (Revelation 21:20), a species of the carnelian combining the sard and the onyx,
having three layers of opaque spots or stripes on a transparent red basis. ...
/s/sardonyx.htm - 7k

Sardine (1 Occurrence)
... It is enumerated among the precious stones in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus
28:17; 39:10). It is our red carnelian. Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/s/sardine.htm - 7k

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