Adamant(minerals)
Summary
A term used in Scripture for an exceedingly hard stone, symbolizing firmness or hardness of heart.
☩Biblical Usage
The Hebrew word shamir, translated 'adamant' in some passages, refers to a very hard stone used metaphorically in Scripture. God made Ezekiel's forehead 'like an adamant harder than flint' to enable him to face the rebellious house of Israel without fear. Zechariah described Israel as having made their hearts 'an adamant stone' to avoid hearing the law and the prophets. In Jeremiah, the same Hebrew word is translated 'diamond,' describing the stylus that engraved Judah's sin upon their hearts.
☩Identification
The exact mineral intended is uncertain. The Hebrew shamir may be connected with the Greek smiris (emery), a granular form of corundum used in ancient times for polishing and engraving. Corundum is the second hardest mineral after diamond. The term 'adamant' comes from Greek adamas, meaning 'unconquerable,' which later gave us both 'diamond' and 'adamant.'
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Adamant," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Adamant," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).