Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Description: Emerald is a precious gemstone known for its rich green color. In biblical times, it was highly valued and often associated with beauty, wealth, and divine splendor. The emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl and owes its green color to trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Biblical References: Emeralds are mentioned several times in the Bible, often in contexts that highlight their beauty and value. In the Old Testament, emeralds are listed among the precious stones used in the construction of sacred objects and garments. 1. High Priest's Breastplate: The emerald is one of the stones set in the breastplate of the High Priest. This breastplate, also known as the "Breastplate of Judgment," contained twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Exodus 28:17-20, 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 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." 2. King of Tyre: In Ezekiel 28:13, the prophet Ezekiel describes the King of Tyre with imagery that includes precious stones, symbolizing his wealth and beauty: "You were in Eden, the garden of God; every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond; beryl, onyx, and jasper; sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation." 3. New Jerusalem: In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, adorned with precious stones, including emeralds. Revelation 21:19-20 states: "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." Symbolism and Significance: Emeralds in the Bible are often associated with divine beauty and the glory of God's creation. Their inclusion in the High Priest's breastplate signifies their importance in religious rituals and their representation of the tribes of Israel. The use of emeralds in the description of the New Jerusalem underscores the splendor and perfection of the heavenly realm. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient cultures, emeralds were prized for their beauty and were believed to have protective and healing properties. They were often used in jewelry and as talismans. The biblical references to emeralds reflect their status as symbols of wealth and divine favor. Theological Implications: The presence of emeralds in biblical texts can be seen as a reflection of God's majesty and the beauty of His creation. The use of such precious stones in sacred contexts emphasizes the value and reverence attributed to divine worship and the representation of God's people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Emeralda precious stone of a rich green color, upon which its value chiefly depends. This gem was the first in the second row on the breastplate of the high priest. (Exodus 28:18; 39:11) It was imported to Tyre from Syria, (Ezekiel 27:16) was used as a seal or signet, Ecclus. 32:6, as an ornament of clothing and bedding, (Ezekiel 28:13; Judges 10:21) and is spoken of as one of the foundations of Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:19) Tob. 13:16. The rainbow around the throne is compared to emerald in (Revelation 4:3) ATS Bible Dictionary EmeraldA precious stone of a fine green color, found anciently in Ethiopia, but in modern times only in South America, Exodus 28:18; Ezekiel 27:16; 28:13. Josephus, however, and the Seventy make it a gem like a burning coal-the Indian ruby. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews nophek (Exodus 28:18; 39:11); i.e., the "glowing stone", probably the carbuncle, a precious stone in the breastplate of the high priest. It is mentioned (Revelation 21:19) as one of the foundations of the New Jerusalem. The name given to this stone in the New Testament Greek is smaragdos, which means "live coal." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A precious stone of a rich green color, a variety of beryl. See Beryl.2. (n.) A kind of type, in size between minion and nonpareil. It is used by English printers. 3. (a.) of a rich green color, like that of the emerald. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia EMERALDem'-er-ald. Greek 4664. smaragdinos -- of emerald, emerald green ... of emerald, emerald green. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: smaragdinos Phonetic Spelling: (smar-ag'-dee-nos) Short Definition: made of emerald ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4664.htm - 6k 4665. smaragdos -- an emerald Strong's Hebrew 1304b. bareqath -- an emerald... bareqath. 1305 . an emerald. Transliteration: bareqath Short Definition: emerald. Word Origin from baraq Definition an emerald NASB Word Usage emerald (1). ... /hebrew/1304b.htm - 5k 5306. nophek -- (a precious stone) perhaps emerald 1304a. bareqeth -- an emerald 1304. bareqeth -- an emerald Library Introduction. An Advance Step in the Royal Programme Christ the Redeemer The Best Beloved The Way to the Sea Brother Hugh Lorimer -- the Fall of Satan The Beauty and Glory of the Risen Body. Dawn in the Hills The Master. Thesaurus Emerald (8 Occurrences)... It is used by English printers. 3. (a.) of a rich green color, like that of the emerald. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EMERALD. em'-er-ald. ... /e/emerald.htm - 10k Sapphire (11 Occurrences) Jasper (8 Occurrences) Turquoise (5 Occurrences) Diamond (5 Occurrences) Chrysolite (10 Occurrences) Carnelian (5 Occurrences) Onyx (16 Occurrences) Lines (42 Occurrences) Row (26 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about crystals? | GotQuestions.orgWill we be able to see all three members of the Trinity in Heaven? | GotQuestions.org Is there any spiritual significance to birthstones? | GotQuestions.org Emerald: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Emerald (8 Occurrences)Revelation 4:3 Revelation 21:19 Exodus 28:17 Exodus 28:18 Exodus 39:10 Exodus 39:11 Ezekiel 27:16 Ezekiel 28:13 Subtopics Emerald: Merchandise of, in Tyre Emerald: Set in the Breastplate Emerald: Symbolical in the Foundation of the Holy City Related Terms |