יָֽשְׁפֶה (ya.she.pheh)
ya.she.pheh
jasper
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun yashpeh refers to jasper, a hard and lustrous gemstone highly valued in the ancient Near East. This term appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the detailed instructions for the priestly garments in Exodus. In these passages, it is listed among the precious stones set into the ephod and the breastplate worn by Aaron.
Etymologically, yashpeh is a loanword, likely borrowed from Persian, which reflects the cultural exchanges of the period. Its inclusion highlights the significance of exotic materials in worship, where beauty and rarity were used to honor God. The stone’s durability and shine made it a fitting symbol for the enduring nature of the covenant represented by the high priest’s attire.
While the exact visual characteristics of ancient jasper are debated, its presence in Scripture underscores the theme of divine glory manifested through tangible, crafted beauty. Translators consistently render it as "jasper," preserving the specific identity of this precious material without ambiguity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yashpeh refers to jasper, a gemstone noted for its hardness and bright shine. In the Bible, this stone appears only twice, both times listed among the precious gems set into the high priest’s breastplate in Exodus. These details were not just about wealth or beauty; they showed that God values the best materials we can offer when we worship Him.
When you read about these intricate garments, it is easy to feel distant from ancient rituals. Yet the underlying truth remains close: God invites us to bring our finest efforts to Him. Just as the priest wore symbols of the tribes on his chest, Jesus now carries His people before the Father with lasting care.
This image reminds us that our faith is not hidden or dull. It has a clarity and strength that reflects God’s glory. We can take comfort knowing that He sees our lives clearly and holds them securely in His hands, just as those stones were held in gold settings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a jasper2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יָשְׁפֵ֑ה2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:20
and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be enclosed in gold in their settings.
This verse establishes the stone’s place in the fourth row of the high priest’s breastplate, linking it to the enduring covenant between God and Israel.
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Exodus 39:13
and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in gold settings.
Here the text confirms the actual craftsmanship, showing that the jasper was securely enclosed in gold, symbolizing the preciousness of those represented by the priest.