Definition and Description:
Lapis, often referred to as Lapis Lazuli, is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color. While the term "lapis" itself does not appear in the Bible, the stone is often associated with the biblical term "sapphire" due to its similar appearance and historical usage. Lapis Lazuli is composed mainly of lazurite, with calcite, sodalite, and pyrite often present, giving it a unique speckled appearance.

Biblical References:
In the Bible, the term "sapphire" is frequently mentioned, and it is believed by many scholars that this term may have referred to what we know today as Lapis Lazuli. The Berean Standard Bible includes several references to sapphire, which can be understood in this context:

1. Exodus 24:10 : "and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself." This passage describes a vision of God where the pavement beneath Him is likened to sapphire, suggesting a divine and majestic quality associated with the stone.

2. Ezekiel 1:26 : "Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man." Here, the throne of God is described as resembling sapphire, indicating the stone's association with heavenly and royal imagery.

3. Revelation 21:19 : "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." In the description of the New Jerusalem, sapphire is listed as one of the precious stones adorning the city's foundations, symbolizing beauty and eternal value.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In ancient times, Lapis Lazuli was highly valued in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia. It was often used in jewelry, amulets, and as a pigment for painting. The stone's deep blue color was associated with the heavens, and it was believed to have protective and healing properties. In Egypt, Lapis Lazuli was a favorite stone for amulets and ornaments such as scarabs, and it was used extensively in the burial mask of Tutankhamun.

Symbolism and Significance:
In biblical symbolism, Lapis Lazuli, or sapphire, represents purity, wisdom, and divine favor. Its deep blue color is often associated with the heavens and the divine, making it a fitting symbol for God's throne and the heavenly realm. The stone's enduring beauty and rarity also make it a symbol of eternal value and truth.

Use in Religious Art and Architecture:
Throughout history, Lapis Lazuli has been used in religious art and architecture to convey spiritual truths and divine beauty. Its use in mosaics, church decorations, and religious icons underscores its significance as a symbol of the divine presence and heavenly glory.

Conclusion:
While the exact identification of biblical "sapphire" with modern Lapis Lazuli is not definitive, the historical and cultural context supports the association. The stone's rich symbolism and historical use in religious contexts highlight its importance in biblical imagery and its enduring legacy in Christian art and thought.(n.) A stone.4552. sapphiros -- sapphire, perhaps lapis lazuli
... sapphire, perhaps lapis lazuli. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
sapphiros Phonetic Spelling: (sap'-fi-ros) Short Definition: a sapphire ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4552.htm - 6k5601. sappir -- a sapphire
... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a sapphire NASB Word Usage lapis lazuli
(2), lapis lazuli* (1), sapphire (5), sapphires (3). sapphire. ...
/hebrew/5601.htm - 6k

68. eben -- a stone
... Definition a stone NASB Word Usage another (1), charm* (1), cornerstone* (1), death
(1), differing weights (3), hailstones* (4), jeweler* (1), lapis lazuli* (1 ...
/hebrew/68.htm - 6k

The Inscription of Aemilius Secundus (Lapis Venetus)
... THE INSCRIPTION OF AEMILIUS SECUNDUS (LAPIS VENETUS). Q ?� AEMILIVS . ?�
Q . ?� F PAL ?� SECVNDVSin C ^ STRIS ?� DIVI ?� AVG . ?� Sub ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/the inscription of aemilius secundus.htm

The Italic Cohort Inscription (Lapis Carnuntensis)
... THE ITALIC COHORT INSCRIPTION (LAPIS CARNUNTENSIS). PROCVLVS RABILI ?� ?�
COL PHILADEL ?� MIL ?� OPTIO ?� COH ?�II ITALIC C ?� R ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/the italic cohort inscription lapis.htm

Whether any Name Can be Applied to God Substantially?
... of names, that from which the name is derived is different sometimes from what it
is intended to signify, as for instance, this name "stone" [lapis] is imposed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether any name can be.htm

Introduction.
... text margin i. sardion i. lapis sardius i. sardius (m. ruby) i. sardius
or ruby topazion topazius topaz topaz smaragdos smaragdus. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 4.htm

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

Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?
... THE INSCRIPTION OF QUIRINIUS. THE INSCRIPTION OF AEMILIUS SECUNDUS (LAPIS VENETUS).
THE ITALIC COHORT INSCRIPTION (LAPIS CARNUNTENSIS). RATING PAPER: Apographe. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/

The Inscription of Quirinius
... THE INSCRIPTION OF QUIRINIUS. (LAPIS TIBURTINUS) GEM ?� QVA ?� REDACTA ?�
INPOI AVGVSTI ?� POPVLIQVE ?� ROMANI ?� SENATV SVPPLICATIONES ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/the inscription of quirinius.htm

Appendix C.
... as to say, that the proof given us of Christianity was less than it might have been
for this very purpose: Ut ita sermo Evangelii tanquam lapis esset Lydius ad ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burgon/inspiration and interpretation/appendix c.htm

The Promised Land
... In spite of the favorite's vigorous protests Mentu overturned the tiny heap
of earth and discovered therein the lapis-lazuli signet. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvii the promised land.htm

Whether Superstition is a vice Contrary to Religion?
... Now these things differ sometimes: for "lapis" [a stone] takes its name from hurting
the foot [laedere pedem], but this is not its meaning, else iron, since it ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether superstition is a vice.htm

Lapis (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A stone. Multi-Version Concordance Lapis
(3 Occurrences). Lamentations 4:7 Her nobles were purer than ...
/l/lapis.htm - 7k

Precious (128 Occurrences)
... 390-405 AD) the Hebrew word having the same position in the text has been
systematically translated by a Latin synonym of onyx, namely, lapis onychinus (except ...
/p/precious.htm - 71k

Stones (244 Occurrences)
... 390-405 AD) the Hebrew word having the same position in the text has been
systematically translated by a Latin synonym of onyx, namely, lapis onychinus (except ...
/s/stones.htm - 74k

Lapidoth (1 Occurrence)

/l/lapidoth.htm - 6k

Lapped (2 Occurrences)

/l/lapped.htm - 7k

Lazuli (3 Occurrences)
... for ornamental work. Called also lapis lazuli, and Armenian stone.
Multi-Version Concordance Lazuli (3 Occurrences). Lamentations 4 ...
/l/lazuli.htm - 7k

Cyprus (12 Occurrences)
... Pliny refers to Cyprian salt, alum, gypsum, mica, unguents, laudanum, storax, resin
and precious stones, including agate, jasper, amethyst, lapis lazuli and ...
/c/cyprus.htm - 27k

Assos (2 Occurrences)
... bodies buried in it. The stone is the famous "Lapis Assius," or the
flesh-eating, hence the word sarcophagus. In former times wheat ...
/a/assos.htm - 10k

Sapphire (11 Occurrences)
... 28:13); one of the stones in the high priest's breastplate. It is a precious stone
of a sky-blue colour, probably the lapis lazuli, brought from Babylon. ...
/s/sapphire.htm - 11k

Shushan (19 Occurrences)
... king Assur-bani-apli about 640 BC According to his account, the ziqqurat or
temple-tower of Susa was built of enameled brick imitating lapis-lazuli, and was ...
/s/shushan.htm - 21k

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