Diamond
NatureWhat is the meaning of Diamond in the Bible?
The Hebrew word yashpheh, translated as 'onyx' or 'jasper' in various biblical passages, was occasionally rendered as 'diamond' in older English translations such as the King James Version, though modern scholarship identifies it as a different precious stone.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the translation history of yashpheh clarifies the specific materials used in ancient Israelite jewelry and the High Priest's breastplate, providing accurate context for archaeological and textual studies of biblical adornments.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Diamond were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Diamond in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Diamond 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
"Diamond." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/diamond/