אֹדֶם
redness, i.e. the ruby, garnet, or some other red gem
Definition
אֹדֶם refers to a red gemstone, specifically the first stone in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17, 39:10). It is traditionally understood as a ruby, garnet, or sardius, prized for its deep red color. In Ezekiel 28:13, it is listed among the precious stones that adorned the king of Tyre, symbolizing magnificent wealth and beauty. The word's core meaning is derived from its root, denoting 'redness,' and it consistently describes a valuable, red-colored mineral.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in descriptions of extravagant, divinely ordained ornamentation. All three occurrences are in contexts of sacred or royal adornment: twice for the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17, 39:10) and once for the symbolic covering of the king of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:13). It never appears in mundane settings, indicating its association with high value and ceremonial significance.
Etymology
Derived from the root אָדַם (H119, 'adam), meaning 'to be red.' This root is also the source for אָדָם ('adam), meaning 'man' or 'humankind,' and the name אֱדוֹם ('Edom), the nation descended from Esau, whose name means 'red.' Thus, אֹדֶם directly connects the gem's identity to its distinctive red hue.
Semantic Range
As the first stone on the high priest's breastplate, the אֹדֶם represented the tribe of Reuben and was part of the mechanism for bearing the names of Israel before God (Exodus 28:29). Its prominent placement and color may symbolize priority, value, or blood, pointing to the priestly work of mediation and atonement. In Ezekiel, its use in describing a fallen, prideful king contrasts divine craftsmanship with corrupt human glory.
In the ancient Near East, specific gemstones were deeply tied to identity, status, and religious symbolism. Red stones like the אֹדֶם were associated with life, blood, and vitality, and were highly prized. The exact mineral is uncertain (rubies, garnets, and sardius were all known), but its inclusion in the breastplate signified that each tribe was considered a precious, distinct part of God's covenant people.
שֹׁהַם (shoham, H7718) — A gemstone, often onyx, of a different color, also used in the high priest's garments. יָהֲלֹם (yahalom, H3095) — A gemstone, likely diamond or jasper, noted for its hardness, also in the breastplate.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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