Jacinth, a precious stone mentioned in the Bible, is often associated with beauty, wealth, and divine craftsmanship. The term "jacinth" is derived from the Greek word "hyakinthos," which refers to a blue or bluish-purple stone, although some interpretations suggest a reddish hue. This gemstone is noted for its brilliance and is considered one of the stones of high value in biblical times.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 28:19; 39:12 · Jacinth is listed as one of the stones set in the breastplate of the High Priest. The breastplate, known as the "Breastplate of Judgment," contained twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The inclusion of jacinth in this sacred garment underscores its significance and value in the religious and cultural context of ancient Israel.

2. Revelation 21:20 · In the vision of the New Jerusalem, jacinth is mentioned as the eleventh foundation stone of the city's wall. The Apostle John describes the heavenly city with its foundations adorned with various precious stones, each contributing to the splendor and glory of the divine creation: "the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst" . This imagery highlights the eternal beauty and perfection of God's kingdom.

3. Revelation 9:17 · Jacinth is also referenced in the apocalyptic vision of the horsemen: "The riders had breastplates the color of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur" . Here, the color of jacinth is associated with the fiery and formidable appearance of the horsemen, symbolizing judgment and divine wrath.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical symbolism, jacinth is often associated with themes of divine judgment, beauty, and the glory of God's creation. Its placement in the High Priest's breastplate signifies its role in representing the tribes of Israel before God, while its presence in the New Jerusalem's foundation stones symbolizes the eternal and unshakeable nature of God's kingdom.

The varying interpretations of jacinth's color—ranging from blue to reddish-orange—reflect the multifaceted nature of biblical symbolism, where colors and stones often carry deep spiritual meanings. The stone's brilliance and rarity make it a fitting representation of the divine attributes of beauty, majesty, and holiness.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, jacinth was highly prized and often used in jewelry and ornamentation. Its mention in the Bible alongside other precious stones indicates its value and desirability. The stone's significance extends beyond its physical beauty, serving as a metaphor for spiritual truths and divine realities.

Jacinth's enduring presence in biblical literature and its association with both the earthly and heavenly realms underscore its importance in conveying the richness and depth of God's creation and His redemptive plan for humanity.Revelation 9:17
And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 21:20
The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Introduction.
... uakinthos jacinth xii. ... These precious stones have been identified as follows, taking
the High Priest's breastplate: i. 1. Red carnelian 2. Chrysolite (greenish ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 4.htm

On Counter Promises.
... of many precious stones, as jasper, and sapphire, and chalcedony, and emerald, and
sardonyx, and onyx, and chrysolite, and chrysoprase, and jacinth, and ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter xi on counter promises.htm

The New Jerusalem.
... city were adorned with every kind of precious stone ... the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the
eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth ... behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... now. 'The foundations of the wall of the city,' saith he, 'were garnished
with all manner of precious stones' (Revelation 21:19). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. ... the ninth,
a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The People of the New Earth
... were adorned with every kind of precious stone. ... moderns under topaz): the eleventh,
a jacinth (a deep ... somewhat difficult to identify these stones with exactness ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the new.htm

Is it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone? | GotQuestions.org

Can a Christian lose salvation? | GotQuestions.org

Precious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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