Topaz
“Possibly from Sanskrit pita meaning 'yellowish' or 'pale'”
Summary
The topaz (Hebrew pitdah) was a precious golden-yellow or greenish gem, the second stone in the first row of the high priest's breastplate and the ninth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem.
☩Identification
The topaz of the ancient Greeks and Romans is generally identified with our modern chrysolite (olivine or peridot), while their chrysolite corresponds to our modern topaz. The ancient stone was described as golden-yellow, though Pliny noted it had green tints. It was relatively soft, losing its polish unless worn with care, unlike the hard topaz of modern mineralogy. Diodorus Siculus and Strabo describe it as a translucent stone sparkling with golden luster, difficult to see in daylight because it was outshone, but visible at night.
☩Biblical References
The topaz occupied the second position in the first row of the high priest's breastplate. Job speaks of 'the topaz of Ethiopia' as a precious stone that nonetheless cannot equal the value of wisdom. Ezekiel includes it among the nine gems that adorned the symbolic king of Tyre. In Revelation, topaz appears as the ninth foundation stone of the heavenly Jerusalem's wall.
☩Origin
Ancient writers connected the topaz with 'Topaz Island' in the Red Sea, which Pliny explains was surrounded by fogs and often difficult to find—hence named 'Topazin' meaning 'to seek.' The stone found in Ethiopia (connected with Cush, which included southern Arabia) was particularly celebrated. Phoenician traders likely brought it to the markets of Tyre from these distant sources.
Related Verses5 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Topaz," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Topaz," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.George Morrish, "Topaz," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Topaz," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).