Precious Stones: Sardine or Sardius
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Topical Encyclopedia
The sardine, also known as sardius, is a precious stone mentioned in the Bible, notable for its deep red color. This gemstone is often associated with beauty, wealth, and divine splendor. The sardine stone is referenced in several key biblical passages, highlighting its significance in ancient times.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 28:17-20 : The sardius is listed 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 sardius is the first stone mentioned in the first row: "And mount on it a setting of stones—four rows of stones: The first row shall be a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald."

2. Ezekiel 28:13 : In this passage, the sardius is mentioned as one of the precious stones that adorned the King of Tyre, symbolizing his wealth and beauty. The verse states, "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. Revelation 4:3 : The sardius is used to describe the appearance of God’s throne in heaven, emphasizing its majesty and glory. The verse reads, "And the One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne."

Symbolism and Significance:

The sardius stone, with its rich red hue, is often associated with themes of sacrifice, redemption, and divine love. Its placement in the High Priest's breastplate signifies its importance in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. The stone's presence in the heavenly vision of Revelation underscores its enduring symbolic value, representing the splendor and holiness of God.

Historical Context:

The sardius is believed to have been sourced from regions such as India and Arabia, known for their rich deposits of gemstones. In ancient times, the stone was highly prized for its beauty and rarity. The name "sardius" is thought to be derived from Sardis, an ancient city in Asia Minor, which was a significant center for trade and commerce.

Cultural and Religious Impact:

Throughout history, the sardius has been valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its perceived spiritual properties. In biblical times, gemstones were often believed to possess protective and healing powers. The sardius, with its vibrant color, was thought to symbolize life and vitality, making it a fitting representation of divine presence and favor.

In summary, the sardine or sardius stone holds a prominent place in biblical literature, symbolizing divine beauty, authority, and the eternal covenant between God and His people. Its recurring presence in scripture reflects its enduring significance in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 28:17
And you shall set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 4:3
And he that sat was to look on like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like to an emerald.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The People of the New Earth
... were adorned with every kind of precious stone ... is somewhat difficult to identify
these stones with exactness ... Emerald) Y { Red (Sardonyx) Red (Sardine) X { Yellow ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the new.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Eden, the garden of God; every precious-stone, [that ... doctrine,] was thy covering;
as the sardius, topaz, diamond ... him, That he could have made stones bread; and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Resources
What does it mean that Jesus and believers are living stones in 1 Peter 2:4-5? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.org

In what ways are believers partakers of the divine nature? | GotQuestions.org

Precious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Lapidary: One Who Cuts Precious Stones

Precious

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: Agate

Precious Stones: Amethyst

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: Beryl

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: Carbuncle

Precious Stones: Chalcedony

Precious Stones: Chrysolite

Precious Stones: Chrysoprasus

Precious Stones: Coral

Precious Stones: Diamond

Precious Stones: Dug out of the Earth

Precious Stones: Emerald

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: Jacinth

Precious Stones: Jasper

Precious Stones: Often Given As Presents

Precious Stones: Onyx

Precious Stones: Pearl

Precious Stones: Preciousness of Christ

Precious Stones: Prepared by David for the Temple

Precious Stones: Ruby

Precious Stones: Saints

Precious Stones: Sapphire

Precious Stones: Sardine or Sardius

Precious Stones: Sardonyx

Precious Stones: Seductive Splendour and False Glory of the Apostasy

Precious Stones: Stability of Heavenly Jerusalem

Precious Stones: Topaz

Precious Stones: Worldly Glory of Nations

Related Terms

Jewel (12 Occurrences)

Coral (3 Occurrences)

Diamond (5 Occurrences)

Pearl (5 Occurrences)

Costly (26 Occurrences)

Quantities (13 Occurrences)

Adorned (20 Occurrences)

Ointment (29 Occurrences)

Onyx (16 Occurrences)

Jasper (8 Occurrences)

Emerald (8 Occurrences)

Sapphire (11 Occurrences)

Valuable (17 Occurrences)

Treasure-house (6 Occurrences)

Pearls (8 Occurrences)

Breastplate (45 Occurrences)

Carbuncle (6 Occurrences)

Almug (2 Occurrences)

Algum (3 Occurrences)

Scarlet (54 Occurrences)

Finest (23 Occurrences)

Choicest (32 Occurrences)

Purple (54 Occurrences)

Glittering (12 Occurrences)

Expensive (6 Occurrences)

Michtam (12 Occurrences)

Mine (2991 Occurrences)

Malcam (6 Occurrences)

Jewels (54 Occurrences)

Bdellium (2 Occurrences)

Beryl (12 Occurrences)

Sardius (5 Occurrences)

Settings (19 Occurrences)

Ophir (12 Occurrences)

Quantity (18 Occurrences)

Marble (5 Occurrences)

Amount (66 Occurrences)

Treasures (77 Occurrences)

Spices (64 Occurrences)

Articles (78 Occurrences)

Worth (36 Occurrences)

Vessels (210 Occurrences)

Gem (1 Occurrence)

Ruby (5 Occurrences)

Chalcedony (1 Occurrence)

Train (17 Occurrences)

Treasure (66 Occurrences)

Abundance (194 Occurrences)

Fine (184 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Gold (429 Occurrences)

Exceeding (101 Occurrences)

Desirable (49 Occurrences)

Dominion (72 Occurrences)

Silver (329 Occurrences)

Merchandise (34 Occurrences)

Yield (78 Occurrences)

Riches (118 Occurrences)

Nard (5 Occurrences)

Onycha (1 Occurrence)

Ore (5 Occurrences)

Ouches (8 Occurrences)

Lading (7 Occurrences)

Gilded (2 Occurrences)

Frequent (10 Occurrences)

Traded (16 Occurrences)

Tarshish (24 Occurrences)

Thyne (1 Occurrence)

Reclining (25 Occurrences)

Retinue (4 Occurrences)

Rubies (8 Occurrences)

Realm (23 Occurrences)

Ephod (45 Occurrences)

Dedan (10 Occurrences)

Disallowed (7 Occurrences)

Dear (120 Occurrences)

Decked (10 Occurrences)

Moons (17 Occurrences)

Preciousness (2 Occurrences)

Precious Stones: Sapphire
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