Multi-Faceted Meanings: The Significance of Precious Stones in the Bible

This is a guest article written by Nadine Westwood.

The Bible makes several general references to precious gems and jewels, and they’re often used as metaphors for wealth, value, durability, and beauty. The most important of these references is Aaron’s breastplate, first mentioned in Exodus 28: 15-20 and 39:10-13.

Aaron’s Breastplate and Tricky Translations

Moses’s brother Aaron led the tribe of high priests. His famous breastplate was one of the earliest accounts of a person using gemstones as symbols and decorations. It had 12 precious gems, each of which represented the Israelite tribes, and was transcribed with their names.

The stones were set in 4 rows of 3 stones. The names of each stone are hotly debated because of how difficult it can be to translate the Bible. Previous translations were based primarily on limited gemstone knowledge, tradition, and phonetics. As far as we know, the Septuagint (1st century B.C.E.) is the most direct linguistic link to the identities of the breastplate gemstones.

Naming the 12 Breastplate Stones

Nowadays, it’s possible to get everything from uniquely designed emerald rings to hand-crafted gold necklaces, but many stones weren’t readily available in Aaron’s time. Many of the stones are mistranslated into stones that would be impossible or improbable for Aaron to obtain.

Here’s each stone and what they likely are based on historian accounts:

  • First Row, First Stone: Red Jasper (mistranslated to carnelian, sard, or sardonyx)
  • First Row, Second Stone: Peridot (mistranslated to topaz, emerald, or chrysolite)
  • First Row, Third Stone: Malachite (mistranslated to beryl, carbuncle, or turquoise)
  • Second Row, First Stone: Red Garnet (mistranslated to ruby, carbuncle, or emerald)
  • Second Row, Second Stone: Lapis Lazuli (mistranslated to sapphire)
  • Second Row, Third Stone: Amazonite (mistranslated to beryl or jasper)
  • Third Row, First Stone: Amber (mistranslated to zircon, tourmaline, or opal)
  • Third Row, Second Stone: Agate (not often mistranslated; agate is likely correct)
  • Third Row, Third Stone: Amethyst (not often mistranslated; amethyst is likely correct)
  • Fourth Row, First Stone: Beryl (not often mistranslated; beryl is likely correct)
  • Fourth Row, Second Stone: Onyx (not often mistranslated; onyx is likely correct)
  • Fourth Row, Third Stone: Jasper (not often mistranslated; jasper is likely correct)

 

Now that we have an idea of what each gemstone is, we can look at its significance.

The Significance of the 12 Breastplate Stones

All of the 12 breastplate stones represent specific Israelite tribes, but their significance in the Bible stretches further than that. In fact, these stones are mentioned in the Bible frequently.

 

Here are some ways the 12 breastplate stones are brought up in the Bible:

 

  • Red Jasper: Symbol of the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross of Calvary.
  • Peridot: A symbol for protection and was used as foundation in New Jerusalem.
  • Malachite: Represents rebirth and renewal and can protect from negative energy.
  • Red Garnet: Lined the pedestal in Noah’s Ark and could light up the night.
  • Lapis Lazuli: Regarded as the stone of the Virgin Mary, and was placed on Lucifer.
  • Amazonite: Worn by Jewish High Priests, and was a talisman for truth and hope.
  • Amber: Many things are described to look like amber in the Bible, including coriander.
  • Agate: Believed to make the wearer persuasive and possess God’s favor.
  • Amethyst: Thought to prevent intoxication and is among the king’s treasures.
  • Beryl: Related to happiness and everlasting youth, and was placed on Lucifer.
  • Onyx: The stone was significant in the construction of the Tabernacle.
  • Jasper: Signifies the appearance of God as the light of New Jerusalem.

Remember, these stones may have a different meaning depending on how they’re translated. Reading multiple translations of the Bible may be necessary to expand your understanding.

In Conclusion…

While many of the breastplate stones have taken on different meanings in modern times, their significance in the Bible is a major reason why they were used in Aaron’s armor. It’s interesting to see how their significance would change depending on the translation of the Bible, as well.

This was a guest article written by Nadine Westwood.