נֹ֫פֶךְ (no.phekh)
no.phekh
emerald
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun nophek refers to a precious stone featured in the high priest’s breastplate and in descriptions of Tyrian trade (Exodus 28:18; Ezekiel 27:16). Its exact identity remains uncertain among scholars, with suggestions ranging from emerald to ruby or carbuncle. This ambiguity reflects the ancient difficulty in matching specific gemstones to biblical terms.
In Exodus, nophek appears as the second stone in the second row of the breastpiece, symbolizing the tribe of Reuben. Its presence alongside other rare stones highlights the wealth and honor associated with Tyre’s commerce, as noted in Ezekiel 28:13. The word underscores the value placed on beauty and craftsmanship in sacred objects.
Translators often render nophek as emerald or ruby, depending on their interpretation of ancient sources like Josephus or the Vulgate. Despite this uncertainty, its role in Scripture remains clear: it represents divine order and royal splendor, woven into the fabric of Israel’s worship and identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nophek appears in the detailed instructions for the high priest’s breastplate, where it forms part of the second row alongside turquoise and sapphire. This placement links the stone to the tribe of Reuben and signifies a specific aspect of divine order within Israel’s worship. While scholars debate whether this gem was an emerald, ruby, or carbuncle, the text emphasizes its value as a precious stone set in gold filigree.
For your faith, nophek reminds us that God cares about beauty and craftsmanship in sacred things. The intricate design of the breastplate shows that worship involves both spiritual devotion and tangible artistry. When we encounter this word, we are invited to appreciate the richness of God’s creation and the honor He places on His people.
Even though the exact identity of the stone remains uncertain, its presence in Scripture highlights the splendor associated with royal priesthood. This ancient symbol points to a deeper reality: that believers are chosen and adorned for their role in God’s kingdom. The beauty of the gem reflects the glory of the One who designed it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [will be] a turquoise1×
- [was] a turquoise1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֹ֥פֶךְ2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:18
and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
This verse establishes nophek as the third stone in the second row of the high priest's breastplate, linking it directly to the tribe of Reuben and the sacred duties of the priesthood.
-
Exodus 39:11
and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
Here the word appears in the narrative of execution, confirming that the actual crafted breastplate followed the divine pattern exactly as described in the earlier instructions.