Agates are a type of semi-precious stone mentioned in the Bible, known for their beauty and variety of colors. These stones are a form of chalcedony, characterized by their fine grain and bright, banded appearance. Agates have been valued since ancient times for their aesthetic appeal and durability.

Biblical References

Agates are specifically mentioned in the context of the High Priest's breastplate, a sacred garment described in the Old Testament. In Exodus 28:19 , the breastplate is detailed as containing twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The third row of stones includes an agate: "The third row shall be a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst." This placement signifies the importance and value attributed to agates in biblical times.

Additionally, agates are mentioned in Ezekiel 27:16 in the context of trade and commerce: "Aram was your merchant because of your many products. They exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares." While the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention agates in this verse, other translations and interpretations suggest that agates were among the precious stones traded by the merchants of Tyre.

Symbolism and Significance

In biblical symbolism, agates, like other precious stones, are often associated with beauty, strength, and divine creation. The inclusion of agates in the High Priest's breastplate underscores their significance in representing the tribes of Israel before God, highlighting their role in the spiritual and religious life of the Israelites.

The use of agates in trade, as mentioned in Ezekiel, also reflects their economic value and desirability in the ancient world. This trade underscores the interconnectedness of different cultures and the widespread appreciation for the natural beauty of agates.

Historical and Cultural Context

Agates have been used throughout history for various purposes, including jewelry, seals, and decorative items. Their durability and wide range of colors made them a popular choice for artisans and craftsmen. In the ancient Near East, where the biblical narrative unfolds, agates were often sourced from regions known for their rich deposits of semi-precious stones.

The process of crafting agates into ornamental objects required skill and precision, further enhancing their value. The presence of agates in the biblical text reflects the broader cultural and economic practices of the time, where such stones were not only items of beauty but also symbols of wealth and status.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about agates, their inclusion in key passages highlights their importance in the religious, economic, and cultural life of ancient Israel. As a symbol of beauty and divine craftsmanship, agates continue to be appreciated for their unique qualities and historical significance.

Visions of Future Glory
... Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors,. And lay thy foundations with sapphires.
"And I will make thy windows of agates. And thy gates of carbuncles,. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

The Preface.
... And have we not, nay, choose we not, to have variety of gems, agates, rubies, and
diamonds shining about us, some squared, some angled, each having their own ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/the preface.htm

The New Jerusalem.
... with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of
carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. And ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

An Unwalled City
... And as Christ builds our city on firmer foundations, He will appear in His glory,
and will 'lay the windows in agates, and all thy borders in precious stones ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/an unwalled city.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... Lo her foundations laid with sapphires are; Her goodly windows made of agates fair,
Her gates are carbuncles, or pearls; nor one Of all her borders but's a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... and the bars thereof are broken. Alas, ye windows of agates and gates of
carbuncle, where are ye now? How shall I mourn for thee ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm

Measureless Power and Endless Glory
... But when God builds, none can say, 'He was not able to finish.' In His great palace
He makes her 'windows of agates' and all her 'borders of pleasant stones.'. ...
/.../measureless power and endless glory.htm

By, Through, Unto
... the imperfections shall be swept away, 'and for brass He will bring gold, for iron
He will bring silver,' and then the windows shall be set 'in agates, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/by through unto.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... and its walls are not made of marble, but of gold; its borders are carbuncles and
precious gems; its windows are of agates; its stones are laid with fair ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

The Wandering Bird
... Oh! how sweet ordinances were to you then because you could see Christ through
them, as through windows of agates and gates of carbuncles! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the wandering bird.htm

Agates (1 Occurrence)
...Agates (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 54:12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy
gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. (KJV WBS). ...
/a/agates.htm - 6k

Agate (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 54:12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles,
and all thy borders of pleasant stones. (Root in KJV WBS YLT RSV). ...
/a/agate.htm - 9k

Windows (27 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 54:12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles,
and all thy borders of pleasant stones. (KJV WBS). ...
/w/windows.htm - 15k

Carbuncles (2 Occurrences)
... Carbuncles (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 54:12 And I will make thy windows of agates,
and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. ...
/c/carbuncles.htm - 7k

Carbuncle (6 Occurrences)
... JPS). Isaiah 54:12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of
carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. (Root ...
/c/carbuncle.htm - 10k

Pleasant (119 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 54:12 And I will make thy windows
of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. ...
/p/pleasant.htm - 37k

Age (404 Occurrences)

/a/age.htm - 56k

Borders (104 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 54:12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy
gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/b/borders.htm - 40k

House (20110 Occurrences)
... glass filling, and in this connection there is the interesting figurative reference
in Isaiah 54:12 the King James Version, "windows of agates," translated in ...
/h/house.htm - 39k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus