Cornelian, also known as carnelian, is a semi-precious gemstone that is mentioned in the context of biblical descriptions of priestly garments and sacred objects. This stone is a variety of chalcedony, characterized by its reddish-brown color, which can range from pale orange to an intense almost-black hue. Cornelian has been valued since ancient times for its beauty and supposed protective qualities.

Biblical References

In the Bible, cornelian is most notably referenced 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, was adorned with twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The specific mention of cornelian can be found in the book of Exodus:

· Exodus 28:17-21 : "And mount on it a setting of gemstones—four rows of stones: The first row shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; the second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row shall be a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; the fourth row shall be a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings. The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes."

While the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly name cornelian in this passage, various translations and interpretations of the Hebrew text suggest that one of these stones may be identified as cornelian, particularly the stone referred to as "sardius" in some versions.

Symbolism and Significance

Cornelian, like other gemstones mentioned in the Bible, carries symbolic significance. It is often associated with qualities such as courage, vitality, and protection. In the context of the High Priest's breastplate, the stones collectively symbolize the unity and diversity of the tribes of Israel, each with its unique identity and role within the covenant community.

The use of cornelian and other precious stones in the priestly garments underscores the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in the worship of God, reflecting His glory and the splendor of His creation. The meticulous detail in the design of the breastplate serves as a reminder of the holiness and reverence due to God in the performance of priestly duties.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient cultures, cornelian was highly prized not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its supposed protective and healing properties. It was commonly used in jewelry, seals, and amulets. The stone's durability and ease of carving made it a popular choice for signet rings and engraved seals, which were used to authenticate documents and possessions.

The presence of cornelian in the biblical narrative highlights the interconnectedness of the Israelites with the broader ancient Near Eastern world, where such stones were traded and valued. The inclusion of cornelian in the High Priest's breastplate reflects the cultural and material exchanges that occurred in the region, as well as the integration of these elements into the religious life of Israel.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about cornelian, its mention in the context of the High Priest's breastplate invites reflection on the beauty and diversity of God's creation, the significance of the tribes of Israel, and the role of material culture in the expression of faith.(n.) Same as Carnelian.

Vision of the Deity.
... And, He, who sat, was in appearance like a jasper and a cornelian stone: and there
was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance, like an emerald. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/vision of the deity.htm

The Emperor and Empress
... The walls of alabaster and other lustrous marbles were inlaid with agate and cornelian,
and the eastern sunlight glowed hotly on pillars of the Numidian marble ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor and.htm

Appendix.
... "He invaded others' wedlock." The Julian law would visit its adulterous violator
capitally. "He defiled freeborn boys." The Cornelian law would condemn the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/appendix.htm

Whether Isidore's Division of Human Laws is Appropriate?
... Therefore it is unreasonable to divide laws according to the names of lawgivers,
so that one be called the "Cornelian" law, another the "Falcidian" law, etc. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether isidores division of human.htm

The People of the New Earth
... bluish-white, and semi-transparent): the fourth, an emerald (a vivid green): (20)
the fifth, a sardonyx (a mixture of chalcedony and cornelian, a flesh colour ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the new.htm

Papal Tombs.
... The reason is evident: the estate of Lucina contained the family vault of
the Cornelii, or at least of a branch of the Cornelian race. ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter v papal tombs.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... lead, some gold and silver,* several kinds of white or coloured marble,** and precious
stones, such as topaz, garnets, emeralds, sapphires, cornelian, and lapis ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... It was usually a cylinder, sometimes a truncated cone with a convex base, either
of marble, red or green jasper, agate, cornelian, onyx or rock crystal, but ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... ordinary boomerang, the Egyptians used one which ended in a knob, and another of
semicircular shape: this latter, reproduced in miniature in cornelian or in ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The First Theban Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Cornelian (1 Occurrence)
...Cornelian (1 Occurrence). Exodus 28:17 And on it you are to put four lines of jewels;
the first line is to be a cornelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (BBE). ...
/c/cornelian.htm - 6k

Cornelius (10 Occurrences)

/c/cornelius.htm - 16k

Jewels (54 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS). Exodus 28:17 And on it you are to put four lines of jewels;
the first line is to be a cornelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (BBE). ...
/j/jewels.htm - 23k

Lines (42 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:17 And on it you are to put four lines of jewels; the first line
is to be a cornelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (BBE). ...
/l/lines.htm - 19k

Emerald (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:17 And on it you are to put four lines of jewels; the first line is
to be a cornelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (BBE DBY NAS). ...
/e/emerald.htm - 10k

Chrysolite (10 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:17 And on it you are to put four lines of jewels; the first line
is to be a cornelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (BBE). ...
/c/chrysolite.htm - 10k

Line (131 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:17 And on it you are to put four lines of jewels; the first line is
to be a cornelian, a chrysolite, and an emerald; (Root in BBE). ...
/l/line.htm - 43k

Corn (107 Occurrences)

/c/corn.htm - 41k

Babylonia (17 Occurrences)
... conqueror. The beautiful piece of lapis lazuli, agate, cornelian, etc.,
obtained, was inscribed and devoted in the same way. Slabs ...
/b/babylonia.htm - 75k

Cornelian: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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