יַהֲלֹם
a precious stone, probably onyx
Definition
The Hebrew word יַהֲלֹם (yahălôm) refers to a precious stone, likely a type of onyx or possibly a hard, valuable gem like a diamond. It is listed among the twelve stones on the high priest's breastplate in Exodus 28:18 and 39:11, representing one of the tribes of Israel. In Ezekiel 28:13, it appears as one of the nine precious stones adorning the king of Tyre, symbolizing his splendor and wealth. While the exact mineral is uncertain, its context consistently associates it with high value and sacred ornamentation.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in three Old Testament passages, all describing settings of immense beauty and holiness. In Exodus 28:18 and 39:11, it is part of the priestly garments, specifically the breastplate of judgment, indicating its use in Israel's worship and representation before God. In Ezekiel 28:13, it is used metaphorically in a lament against the king of Tyre, adorning him in the garden of Eden, which highlights its association with perfection and royal majesty.
Etymology
Derived from the root הָלַם (hālam, H1986), meaning 'to strike' or 'to hammer,' suggesting hardness or durability. This etymological connection points to the stone's likely characteristic of being hard and possibly capable of engraving, fitting for gems used in settings like the priestly breastplate.
Semantic Range
Yahălôm holds theological significance as it is part of the sacred objects in Israel's worship, symbolizing the tribes' presence before God on the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:29-30). Its inclusion in Ezekiel's depiction of Edenic perfection (Ezekiel 28:13) contrasts human pride with divine creation, reminding readers of God's original intent for beauty and order. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible study by connecting physical artifacts to spiritual truths about representation, holiness, and the consequences of pride.
In the ancient Near East, precious stones like yahălôm were highly valued for both decorative and symbolic purposes, often associated with deities, kings, and ritual objects. The specific identification as 'diamond' in the KJV reflects a later interpretation, as true diamond engraving technology likely post-dates the biblical period; it was more probably a hard stone like onyx or jasper, used in seals and jewelry to denote status and divine favor.
אֹדֶם (ʾōdem, H124) — a red gem like carnelian, also on the breastplate; שֹׁהַם (shōham, H7718) — another precious stone, often identified as onyx or beryl, used similarly in priestly garments.
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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