Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Biblical References and ContextThe term "diamond" appears in the Bible in a few instances, often associated with its hardness and value. In the ancient world, diamonds were known for their unparalleled hardness and brilliance, making them a fitting symbol for strength and resilience. The Hebrew word often translated as "diamond" is "yahalom," which appears in the context of the high priest's breastplate. High Priest's Breastplate In Exodus 28:18 and 39:11, the diamond is mentioned as one of the stones set in the breastplate of judgment worn by the high priest. The breastplate contained twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The diamond, noted for its clarity and strength, symbolized the enduring and unbreakable covenant between God and His people. The Berean Standard Bible translates Exodus 28:18 as: "The second row will be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond." Symbolism of Hardness The diamond's hardness is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the stubbornness or hardness of heart. In Jeremiah 17:1, the prophet speaks of the sin of Judah being inscribed with an iron tool, "with a diamond point," on the tablet of their hearts. This imagery underscores the deep-seated nature of their sin and the difficulty of repentance. The Berean Standard Bible renders this verse as: "The sin of Judah is written with an iron stylus, with a diamond point it is engraved on the tablet of their hearts and on the horns of their altars." Cultural and Historical Significance In biblical times, diamonds were rare and highly valued, much like today. They were prized not only for their beauty but also for their supposed protective and healing properties. The ancients believed that diamonds could ward off evil and bring good fortune, which may have contributed to their inclusion in the high priest's breastplate as a symbol of divine protection and favor. Theological Implications The use of diamonds in the Bible carries significant theological implications. As a symbol of strength and purity, the diamond reflects God's unchanging nature and His eternal promises. The hardness of the diamond serves as a reminder of the steadfastness required in faith and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The imagery of the diamond point in Jeremiah highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for genuine repentance and transformation. Conclusion While diamonds are not frequently mentioned in the Bible, their inclusion in key passages underscores their symbolic importance. As a representation of strength, purity, and divine covenant, diamonds serve as a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and His people, as well as the enduring nature of faith and righteousness. Smith's Bible Dictionary Diamond(Heb. yahalom), a gem crystallized carbon, the most valued and brilliant of precious stones, remarkable for its hardness, the third precious stone in the second row on the breastplate of the high priest, (Exodus 28:18; 39:11) and mentioned by Ezekiel, (Ezekiel 28:13) among the precious stones of the king of Tyre. Some suppose yahalom to be the "emerald." Respecting shamir , which is translated "Diamond" in (Jeremiah 17:1) see under ADAMANT. ATS Bible Dictionary DiamondThe hardest and most brilliant of gems, very rare and costly. The largest diamonds known in the world, procured from India and Brazil, are guarded among the royal treasures of England, Russia, etc., and valued at immense sums. Common diamonds are used not only for ornaments, but for cutting and graving hard substances, Jeremiah 17:1. The Hebrew word here used is called "adamant" in Ezekiel 3:9 Zechariah 7:12. See ADAMANT. These is another Hebrew word also translated "diamond," Exodus 28:18 39:11 Ezekiel 28:13, and thought by some to mean the topaz. The diamond is carbon in its purest and crystalline form. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) A precious gem (Hebrews yahalom', in allusion to its hardness), otherwise unknown, the sixth, i.e., the third in the second row, in the breastplate of the high priest, with the name of Naphtali engraven on it (Exodus 28:18; 39:11; R.V. marg., "sardonyx.") (2.) A precious stone (Hebrews shamir', a sharp point) mentioned in Jeremiah 17:1. From its hardness it was used for cutting and perforating other minerals. It is rendered "adamant" (q.v.) in Ezek. 3:9, Zechariah 7:12. It is the hardest and most valuable of precious stones. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A precious stone or gem excelling in brilliancy and beautiful play of prismatic colors, and remarkable for extreme hardness.2. (n.) A geometrical figure, consisting of four equal straight lines, and having two of the interior angles acute and two obtuse; a rhombus; a lozenge. 3. (n.) One of a suit of playing cards, stamped with the figure of a diamond. 4. (n.) A pointed projection, like a four-sided pyramid, used for ornament in lines or groups. 5. (n.) The infield; the square space, 90 feet on a side, having the bases at its angles. 6. (n.) The smallest kind of type in English printing, except that called brilliant, which is seldom seen. 7. (a.) Resembling a diamond; made of, or abounding in, diamonds; as, a diamond chain; a diamond field. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DIAMONDdi'-a-mund. See STONES, PRECIOUS. Strong's Hebrew 8068. shamir -- a thorn, adamant, flint... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a thorn, adamant, flint NASB Word Usage briars (8), diamond (1), emery (1), flint (1). adamant stone, brier, diamond. ... /hebrew/8068.htm - 6k 3095. yahalom -- (a precious stone) perhaps jasper or onyx Library When Diamond Went Home to Breakfast, He Found his Father and ... It was Friday Night, and Diamond, Like the Rest of the Household.. ... When Diamond Got Round the Corner of the Hay... When Diamond Got Home He Found his Father at Home Already... That Diamond had Fallen Fast Asleep is Very Evident from the ... Diamond Woke Very Early in the Morning, and Thought what a Curious ... One Day when Old Diamond was Standing with his Nose in his Bag ... I did not See Diamond for a Week or So after This... The Next Night Diamond was Seated by his Open Window... A Few Nights after This, Diamond Woke up Suddenly... Thesaurus Diamond (5 Occurrences)... a rhombus; a lozenge. 3. (n.) One of a suit of playing cards, stamped with the figure of a diamond. 4. (n.) A pointed projection ... /d/diamond.htm - 9k Adamant (2 Occurrences) Carbuncle (6 Occurrences) Quarrel (22 Occurrences) Water (4571 Occurrences) Rose (279 Occurrences) Brilliant (5 Occurrences) Stylus (2 Occurrences) Pen (16 Occurrences) Diana (5 Occurrences) Resources What is Vajrayana Buddhism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about body piercings? | GotQuestions.org What will be the purpose of the walls around the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Diamond: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Diamond (5 Occurrences)Exodus 28:18 Exodus 39:11 Jeremiah 17:1 Ezekiel 3:9 Ezekiel 28:13 Subtopics Diamond: One of the Jewels in the Breastplate Related Terms |
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