אֹ֫דֶם (o.dem)
o.dem
sardius
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ’odem refers to a precious red stone, most commonly identified as carnelian or sardius. Its root relates to redness, pointing directly to the vivid color that defines this gem. In the biblical text, it appears only twice: in the description of the high priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28:17) and in a prophetic condemnation of corruption (Ezekiel 18:13).
In Exodus, ’odem is the second stone in the first row of the high priest’s ephod. This placement gives it a prominent role in Israel’s ritual worship, symbolizing the tribe of Reuben. The stone’s deep red hue would have stood out against the other gems, creating a striking visual array that represented the twelve tribes before God.
The single occurrence in Ezekiel uses ’odem differently. Here, the prophet compares a corrupt ruler to someone who trusts in his “blood” (’odem) for power. This wordplay links the red stone to bloodshed, suggesting that the leader’s authority was built on violence rather than justice. The contrast between its sacred use in Exodus and its negative connotation in Ezekiel highlights how the same material can carry different spiritual weights depending on context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ’odem describes a deep red gemstone, likely carnelian, which holds a special place in the Old Testament. It appears as the second stone on the first row of the high priest’s breastplate. This placement was not random; it represented the tribe of Reuben and served as a visible reminder that every member of Israel stood before God through their appointed leader. The vivid red color would have caught the light, symbolizing life and presence in the holy place.
While this stone signifies honor and representation in Exodus, its meaning shifts dramatically in Ezekiel. There, the prophet uses the word to describe bloodshed and corrupt power. This contrast reminds us that the same material can reflect either sacred service or violent ambition, depending on the heart behind it. For your faith, ’odem invites reflection on how you present yourself before God. Are you standing in humility as part of His people, or seeking power for yourself?
Understanding this word helps us appreciate the richness of biblical imagery. It shows that objects and colors carry spiritual weight. When we read about the high priest’s garments, we see a picture of order and divine appointment. This encourages us to trust in God’s design for leadership and community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a ruby2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֹ֤דֶם2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:17
You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row;
This verse establishes ’odem as the second stone in the first row of the high priest's breastplate, specifically representing the tribe of Reuben.