Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Topaz is a precious gemstone mentioned in the Bible, known for its beauty and value. It is often associated with wealth and divine craftsmanship. The Hebrew word for topaz is "pitdah," and it appears in several key biblical passages, highlighting its significance in ancient times.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 28:17 : Topaz is first mentioned in the context of the High Priest's breastplate, also known as the Breastplate of Judgment. The breastplate was adorned with twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. "And mount on it a setting of gemstones—four rows of stones: The first row shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald." 2. Exodus 39:10 : This passage reiterates the description of the High Priest's breastplate, emphasizing the importance of topaz among the stones. "And they mounted on it four rows of gemstones: The first row had a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald." 3. Job 28:19 : In this poetic discourse on wisdom, topaz is used metaphorically to illustrate the incomparable value of wisdom. "The topaz of Cush cannot compare to it; it cannot be valued in pure gold." 4. Ezekiel 28:13 : Topaz is listed among the precious stones that adorned the King of Tyre, symbolizing beauty and splendor. "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." 5. Revelation 21:20 : In the vision of the New Jerusalem, topaz is one of the foundation stones of the city, signifying its eternal beauty and divine origin. "The fifth foundation was made of onyx, the sixth of carnelian, the seventh of chrysolite, the eighth of beryl, the ninth of topaz, the tenth of chrysoprase, the eleventh of jacinth, and the twelfth of amethyst." Historical and Cultural Context: Topaz was highly prized in the ancient world for its brilliance and rarity. It was often associated with royalty and was believed to possess protective and healing properties. The topaz mentioned in the Bible is thought to have been sourced from the region of Cush, possibly modern-day Ethiopia or the Arabian Peninsula, known for its rich mineral deposits. In biblical symbolism, topaz represents beauty, value, and divine favor. Its inclusion in the High Priest's breastplate signifies its importance in the religious and cultural life of Israel. The gemstone's mention in the context of wisdom and the New Jerusalem underscores its enduring significance as a symbol of divine truth and eternal glory. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, topaz serves as a reminder of the beauty and perfection of God's creation. Its use in the High Priest's breastplate and the New Jerusalem's foundations points to the divine order and the preciousness of God's people. The metaphorical use of topaz in Job highlights the incomparable worth of divine wisdom, which surpasses even the most valuable earthly treasures. Smith's Bible Dictionary Topazone of the gems used in the high priest's breastplate, (Exodus 28:17; 39:10; Ezekiel 28:13) one of the foundations also of the New Jerusalem, in St. John's description of the city. (Revelation 21:20) The topaz of the ancient Greeks and Romans is generally allowed to be our chrysolite, while their chrysolite is our topaz. Chrysolite is a silicate of magnesia and iron; it is so son as to lose its polish unless carefully used. It varies in color from a pale-green to a bottle-green. It is supposed that its name was derived from Topazos, an island in the Red Sea where these stones were procured. ATS Bible Dictionary TopazA precious stone of wine-yellow color, with occasional pale tinges of green or red. It was one of the twelve gems in the high priest's breastplate, Exodus 28:17; 39:10, and was a highly prized product of Cush, or Southern Arabia, Job 28:19; Ezekiel 28:13. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews pitdah (Ezek. 28:13; Revelation 21:20), a golden yellow or "green" stone brought from Cush or Ethiopia (Job 28:19). It was the second stone in the first row in the breastplate of the high priest, and had the name of Simeon inscribed on it (Exodus 28:17). It is probably the chrysolite of the moderns. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A mineral occurring in rhombic prisms, generally yellowish and pellucid, also colorless, and of greenish, bluish, or brownish shades. It sometimes occurs massive and opaque. It is a fluosilicate of alumina, and is used as a gem.2. (n.) Either one of two species of large, brilliantly colored humming birds of the Topaza, of South America and the West Indies. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TOPAZto'-paz. Greek 5116. topazion -- a topaz ... topazion. 5117 . a topaz. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: topazion Phonetic Spelling: (top-ad'-zee-on) Short Definition: topaz Definition: topaz ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5116.htm - 6k 5555. chrusolithos -- a chrysolite (a yellow gem) Strong's Hebrew 6357. pitdah -- (a precious stone) perhaps topaz... 6356, 6357. pitdah. 6358 . (a precious stone) perhaps topaz. Transliteration: pitdah Phonetic Spelling: (pit-daw') Short Definition: topaz. ... /hebrew/6357.htm - 5k 8658. tarshish -- (a precious stone) perhaps yellow jasper Library Ain. Introduction. The Beauty and Glory of the Risen Body. Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments. Trust in God --True Wisdom The New Jerusalem. The Legend of La Brea {331A} Another Cavil Met, IE , the Devil who Instigated Man to Sin ... How by Holy Complacency we are Made as Little Infants at Our ... Of the Conformity of Our Will to that Will of God's which is ... Thesaurus Topaz (7 Occurrences)... Indies. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TOPAZ. to'-paz. See STONES, PRECIOUS. Multi-Version Concordance Topaz (7 Occurrences). Revelation ... /t/topaz.htm - 9k Beryl (12 Occurrences) Sardius (5 Occurrences) Ruby (5 Occurrences) Chrysolite (10 Occurrences) Carbuncle (6 Occurrences) Carnelian (5 Occurrences) Smaragd (3 Occurrences) Onyx (16 Occurrences) Rows (29 Occurrences) Resources What are the ophanim? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about crystals? | GotQuestions.org What does selah mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Topaz: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Topaz (7 Occurrences)Revelation 21:20 Exodus 28:17 Exodus 28:20 Exodus 39:10 Exodus 39:13 Job 28:19 Ezekiel 28:13 Subtopics Related Terms |