שְׁבוּ
a gem (from its sparkle), probably the agate
Definition
The Hebrew word שְׁבוּ (shᵉbûw) refers to a specific gemstone, likely the agate, known for its distinctive sparkle or banded appearance. It is listed as one of the twelve precious stones adorning the high priest's breastpiece in Exodus 28:19 and 39:12. The term's meaning is derived from its visual quality of flashing or subdivision into streaks of color, fitting the agate's characteristic layered patterns. No other biblical meanings or usages are attested for this specific word.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in two parallel passages describing the construction of the high priest's ceremonial garments. In both Exodus 28:19 and Exodus 39:12, שְׁבוּ is the third stone in the third row of the breastpiece, representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Its usage is entirely cultic and symbolic, associated with priestly vestments and the sanctity of the tabernacle service.
Etymology
Derived from an unused root probably identical to שָׁבָה (H7617, meaning to take captive), through an idea of subdivision or branching into flashes. It is conceptually linked to שָׁבִיב (H7632), meaning a flame or spark, emphasizing the gem's perceived quality of sparkling or streaked light. The etymology highlights the stone's visual appearance of radiant, subdivided patterns.
Semantic Range
As a stone on the high priest's breastpiece, שְׁבוּ carries theological significance in representing the tribes of Israel before God (Exodus 28:29-30). Its inclusion underscores the beauty, holiness, and memorial function of the priestly garments. Understanding this specific term enriches the reading of these passages by connecting the precise material artifact to its symbolic role in Israel's worship and identity.
In the ancient Near East, gemstones were highly valued for ornamentation, trade, and religious symbolism. The exact identification of biblical gemstones like שְׁבוּ is challenging, but 'agate' is a plausible match due to its common banded appearance and use in engraved seals and jewelry. Its placement on the breastpiece signified both the priestly office's splendor and the collective presentation of the people to God.
אֹדֶם (ʼôdem, H124) — a red gem, likely carnelian or ruby, the first stone on the breastpiece. יָהֲלֹם (yâhălôm, H3095) — a hard gem, possibly diamond or emerald, used on the breastpiece. בָּרֶקֶת (bâreqeth, H1306) — a flashing gem, likely emerald or carbuncle, also on the breastpiece.
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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