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סַפִּיר (sap.pir)

sap.pir

sapphire

H5601 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
8 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Definition

Definition

sapphire, lapis lazuli

Brown-Driver-Briggs

סַפִּיר n.[m.] sapphire, perh. also lapis lazuli

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

sapphire, lapis lazuli

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word sapphire appears in Scripture to describe something of immense beauty and enduring strength. In Exodus, it forms part of the high priest’s garments, symbolizing a bridge between the holy God and His people. Later, Isaiah uses the image of foundations laid with sapphires to promise stability and comfort to those who feel tossed by life’s storms.

When we encounter this stone in Job or Song of Solomon, it reminds us that true value cannot be measured by common standards. These precious stones reflect a glory that surpasses gold or silver. For your faith, this suggests that God’s presence is both majestic and accessible, offering a hope that is as solid as rock and as clear as the sky.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • a sapphire2×
  • with <the>/ sapphires1×
  • sapphires1×
  • sapphire1×
  • and/ sapphire1×
  • [was] sapphire1×
  • <the>/ sapphire1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • סַפִּ֖יר3×
  • סַפִּירִֽים\׃1×
  • סַפִּ֥יר1×
  • וְ/סַפִּֽיר\׃1×
  • הַ/סַּפִּ֔יר1×
  • בַּ/סַּפִּירִֽים\׃1×

Key Verses

  • Exodus 24:10
    They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness.

    This verse uniquely depicts sapphire under God’s feet, linking the stone to the clarity of the sky and the tangible presence of the Divine.

  • Isaiah 54:11
    “You afflicted, tossed with storms, and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in beautiful colors, and lay your foundations with sapphires.

    Here the prophet uses sapphires as a metaphor for God rebuilding the foundations of Jerusalem with enduring beauty after affliction.

  • Job 28:16
    It can’t be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

    The text places sapphire alongside gold and onyx to illustrate that wisdom is far more valuable than any earthly treasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sapphire represent in the Bible?

Sapphire typically represents heavenly beauty, divine glory, and enduring strength. It appears in descriptions of God’s presence, the high priest’s garments, and prophetic promises of restoration.

Where does the word sapphire appear most often?

It occurs eight times in the Hebrew Bible. Key passages include Exodus 24:10, where it is seen under God’s feet, and Isaiah 54:11, where it symbolizes secure foundations for the afflicted.

Is sapphire mentioned alongside other gems?

Yes, it is often paired with onyx, turquoise, and emerald. These combinations highlight the preciousness of the materials used in the tabernacle and temple furnishings.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 5 books)

Exodus 3 verses
Exodus 24:10

They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness.

Exodus 28:18

and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

Exodus 39:11

and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

Job 2 verses
Song of Solomon 1 verse
Isaiah 1 verse
Lamentations 1 verse