בְּדֹ֫לַח (be.do.lach)
be.do.lach
bdellium
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word bedolach refers to a precious substance, most likely a fragrant gum resin or a clear gemstone like rock crystal. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within lists of valuable materials used for sacred purposes. In Genesis 2:12, it is noted as being found in the land of Havilah, alongside gold and onyx, highlighting its status as a rare commodity known to ancient readers.
In Exodus 28:17, bedolach is listed as one of the stones set into the high priest’s breastplate, specifically occupying the third position in the first row. This placement suggests it was valued for its clarity or brilliance, contributing to the visual splendor of the ephod. Translators often render it as "bdellium," preserving the foreign term because no single English word perfectly captures whether the original text meant a sticky resin or a hard stone.
The scarcity of occurrences makes precise identification difficult, but its consistent association with gold and precious stones confirms its high worth. Whether understood as a shiny mineral or a fragrant exudate, bedolach serves in Scripture as a marker of divine beauty and the careful craftsmanship dedicated to worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bedolach appears in Scripture alongside gold and precious stones, marking it as something of rare and enduring value. In Genesis, it is part of the rich description of Eden’s land, suggesting that beauty and abundance were woven into creation from the very beginning. This reminds us that God delights in excellence and the fine details of His world.
Later, this same term describes the appearance of manna, the bread provided by God in the wilderness. Whether referring to a clear gemstone or a fragrant resin, the comparison highlights how God’s provision was not merely functional but also beautiful. It invites us to see His care in both the material and spiritual gifts He gives.
While we may never know exactly what bedolach looked like, its presence in these texts encourages a sense of wonder. It points to a Creator who values beauty and provides for His people with generosity and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ bdellium2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בְּדֹֽלַח\׃1×
- הַ/בְּדֹ֖לַח1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 2:12
and the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and onyx stone are also there.
This verse places bedolach among the natural riches of Eden, establishing its status as a precious commodity known from the earliest biblical narrative.
-
Numbers 11:7
The manna was like coriander seed, and it looked like bdellium.
Here the term describes the visual appearance of manna, linking a divine provision for sustenance with the imagery of a clear or fragrant precious substance.