Topical Encyclopedia Precious stones hold significant symbolic and practical value throughout the Bible, often representing beauty, wealth, and divine craftsmanship. These stones are frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, serving various roles from adornment to spiritual symbolism.Old Testament References 1. Creation and Beauty: Precious stones are first mentioned in the context of creation and divine craftsmanship. In Genesis 2:12, the land of Havilah is noted for its gold and onyx stone, highlighting the inherent value and beauty of these materials. 2. Priestly Garments: The high priest's breastplate, as described in Exodus 28:17-20, was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones included sardius, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper. This use of stones underscores their role in divine worship and representation of God's people. 3. Symbol of Wealth and Power: Precious stones are often associated with wealth and power. In 1 Kings 10:2, the Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon, bringing with her a great quantity of spices, gold, and precious stones, signifying her wealth and the esteem in which she held Solomon. 4. Prophetic Imagery: The prophets frequently used precious stones as symbols of restoration and divine favor. In Isaiah 54:11-12, God promises to rebuild Jerusalem with stones of turquoise and foundations of sapphires, symbolizing the future glory and splendor of the city. New Testament References 1. Heavenly Jerusalem: In Revelation 21:18-21, the New Jerusalem is described with foundations adorned with every kind of precious stone, including jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst. The gates are made of pearls, and the streets of pure gold, reflecting the ultimate beauty and perfection of God's eternal kingdom. 2. Symbol of Faith and Virtue: In 1 Corinthians 3:12, Paul uses precious stones metaphorically to describe the quality of one's work in building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Gold, silver, and costly stones represent enduring works of faith and virtue, in contrast to wood, hay, and straw, which will not withstand the test of fire. Spiritual Significance Precious stones in the Bible often symbolize spiritual truths and divine attributes. They are used to convey the beauty of holiness, the value of wisdom, and the eternal nature of God's promises. The use of these stones in biblical texts serves as a reminder of the splendor of God's creation and the richness of His blessings to His people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Precious StonesPRECIOUS STONES See STONES, PRECIOUS. Smith's Bible Dictionary Precious StonesPrecious stones are frequently alluded to in Scriptures; they were known and very highly valued in the earliest times. The Tyrians traded in precious stones supplied by Syria. (Ezekiel 27:16) The merchants of Sheba and Raamah in south Arabia, and doubtless India and Ceylon supplied the markets of Tyre with various precious stones. The art of engraving on precious stones was known from the very earliest times. (Genesis 38:18) The twelve atones of the breastplate were engraved each one with the name of one of the tribes. (Exodus 28:17-21) It is an undecided question whether the diamond was known to the early nations of antiquity. The Authorized Version gives if as the rendering of the Heb. yahalom , but it is probable that the jasper is intended. Precious stones are used in Scripture in a figurative sense, to signify value, beauty durability, etc., in those objects with which they are compared. See (Solomon 5:14; Isaiah 54:11,12; Lamentations 4:7; Revelation 4:3; 21:10,21) Strong's Hebrew 5508. sochereth -- a stone (used in paving)... Definition: stones. Word Origin from sachar Definition a stone (used in paving) NASB Word Usage precious stones (1). black marble. Similar ... /hebrew/5508.htm - 6k Library All Manner of Precious Stones Of Precious Stones and Pearls. A Royal Seeker after Wisdom The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ... Ain. Introduction. The Church Triumphant From the Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Chapters. The True Sense of the Passage (I Cor. Iii. 11-15) About those who ... Whether Venial Sins are Suitably Designated as "Wood, Hay, and ... Resources Who does God say I am? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about when God will judge us? | GotQuestions.org What is a plumb line in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Precious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lapidary: One Who Cuts Precious Stones Precious Stones of Great Variety Precious Stones of Many Colours Precious Stones used for Adorning the Breastplate of Judgment Precious Stones used for Adorning the High Priest's Ephod Precious Stones used for Adorning the Temple Precious Stones used for Decorating the Person Precious Stones used for Honoring Idols Precious Stones used for Ornamenting Royal Crowns Precious Stones used for Setting in Seals and Rings Precious Stones: A Part of the Treasure of Kings Precious Stones: Art of Engraving Upon, Early Known to the Jews Precious Stones: Art of Setting, Known to the Jews Precious Stones: Beauty and Stability of the Church Precious Stones: Brilliant and Glittering Precious Stones: Brought from Ophir Precious Stones: Brought from Sheba Precious Stones: Called: Jewels Precious Stones: Called: Precious Jewels Precious Stones: Called: Stones of Fire Precious Stones: Called: Stones to be Set Precious Stones: Dug out of the Earth Precious Stones: Extensive Commerce In Precious Stones: Given by Chief Men for the Temple Precious Stones: Given by the Jews for the Tabernacle Precious Stones: Glory of Heavenly Jerusalem Precious Stones: Highly Prized by the Ancients Precious Stones: Often Given As Presents Precious Stones: Preciousness of Christ Precious Stones: Prepared by David for the Temple Precious Stones: Sardine or Sardius Precious Stones: Seductive Splendour and False Glory of the Apostasy Precious Stones: Stability of Heavenly Jerusalem Precious Stones: Worldly Glory of Nations Related Terms |