שְׁבוֹ (she.vu)
she.vu
agate
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 shevu refers to a precious stone, specifically identified as one of the gems set in the high priest’s breastplate. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Exodus (28:19 and 39:12) within the detailed instructions for crafting the sacred vestments.
Lexical sources generally identify shevu as agate, linking it to the Akkadian word šubû. In the biblical text, it is listed alongside other valuable stones like leshem and achlama, highlighting its status as a component of the priestly ephod rather than a standalone object of worship.
Its rare usage underscores the specific, ordered nature of the tabernacle’s design. By including this particular stone among the twelve tribes’ representatives, the text emphasizes the preciousness and distinctiveness of each element in the high priest’s ceremonial attire.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shevu identifies a specific gemstone known as agate, one of twelve precious stones set into the breastplate worn by the high priest. This stone appears only twice in Scripture, both times within the detailed instructions for crafting the sacred vestments in Exodus. Its inclusion was not arbitrary but part of a divine pattern designed to represent the twelve tribes of Israel before God.
For your faith, this rare word reminds us that every element in God’s design has purpose and value. Just as agate was carefully placed among other stones to form a complete whole, each person is uniquely valued within the community of believers. The high priest carried these stones on his heart, symbolizing how God remembers His people with care and precision.
When you encounter this word in Scripture, consider the beauty of order and intentionality in God’s work. The careful arrangement of these gems reflects a Creator who values detail and meaning. This perspective can bring comfort, knowing that your life is part of a larger, purposeful design crafted with love and wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an agate2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁב֖וֹ2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:19
and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
This verse lists agate as the second stone in the third row of the high priest's breastplate, establishing its place in the symbolic representation of Israel's tribes.
-
Exodus 39:12
and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
Here the stone is mentioned again during the actual construction of the ephod, confirming that the priestly garments were made exactly as God instructed.