Amber
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Amber in the Bible?
Amber is fossilized tree resin that appears in the Bible as 'the gold of the east' in Ezekiel 27:12, where it is listed among the luxury goods traded by the Tyrians.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing amber as a specific trade commodity clarifies the extent of ancient maritime commerce and the high value placed on exotic materials in the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Amber were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Amber in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Amber clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezekiel 27:12
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
"Amber." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/amber/