Sapphire
“From a root meaning brilliancy or engraving”
Summary
A precious blue stone mentioned frequently in Scripture, though the ancient sapphire was likely lapis lazuli rather than the modern gem of that name.
☩Biblical References
The sapphire was the second stone in the second row of the high priest's breastplate. It appears in Moses's vision where God's throne rested upon 'a paved work of sapphire stone, as it were the body of heaven in clearness.' The prophet Ezekiel similarly described the divine throne as having 'the appearance of a sapphire stone.' In Revelation, sapphire forms the second foundation wall of the New Jerusalem.
☩Ancient Identity
Despite the shared name, the ancient sapphire was almost certainly not the modern gem we call sapphire (blue corundum). Ancient descriptions mention it being 'spotted with gold dust,' which matches lapis lazuli—a deep blue stone with flecks of iron pyrites giving a gold-like sparkle—but not modern sapphire. The ancients' sapphire was opaque and came primarily from Persia.
☩Symbolic Meaning
The sapphire's brilliant blue color connected it with heavenly glory. Its appearance under God's feet and beneath His throne associated it with divine majesty. The 'body of heaven in clearness' evokes the azure sky, symbolizing the realm of God's dwelling.
Related Verses12 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sapphire," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sapphire," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.George Morrish, "Sapphire," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Sapphire," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).