Agate
NatureWhat is the meaning of Agate in the Bible?
Agate is a banded variety of chalcedony quartz, a microcrystalline form of silica, often distinguished by its layered patterns of color.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding agate as a specific type of banded quartz helps clarify references to precious stones in biblical texts, revealing the material culture and aesthetic values associated with adornment and temple furnishings in the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Agate were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Agate in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Agate clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Agate." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/agate/