תַּרְשִׁישׁ (tar.shish)
tar.shish
jasper
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tarshish refers to a precious stone, likely a yellow variety such as jasper or chrysolite. Its exact identification remains uncertain among scholars, but the sources consistently describe it as a semi-precious gem with a distinct golden or yellow hue. This visual quality connects it to wealth and beauty in the biblical text.
The word appears only four times in Scripture, primarily in Exodus where it lists materials for the high priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28:20; 39:13). It also appears in Song of Solomon and Daniel. In these contexts, tarshish signifies something rare and valuable, often associated with royal or sacred objects rather than common use.
Its limited occurrence suggests it was not a widely known stone in everyday life but carried symbolic weight when mentioned. The emphasis on its color may reflect ancient appreciation for gems that mirrored sunlight or gold, enhancing their spiritual or aesthetic significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tarshish appears in Scripture to describe a precious stone, likely a yellow variety such as jasper or chrysolite. In Exodus, this gem is set into the high priest’s breastplate alongside other rare materials. Its placement among gold and other stones highlights its value and beauty, serving as a tangible reminder of God’s glory and the sacred nature of His presence.
While scholars debate its exact modern identification, the text consistently portrays it as something distinct and radiant. This visual quality connects it to wealth and honor in the biblical narrative. When we encounter such details, we are invited to appreciate the care taken in describing holy things, reflecting a God who values beauty and order.
Understanding these ancient materials helps us grasp the richness of biblical imagery. The use of tarshish reminds us that God’s world is filled with diverse treasures, each pointing to His creative power. We can find comfort in knowing that the same God who adorned the priest’s garments also adorns our lives with purpose and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with <the>/ chrysolite1×
- [will be] a chrysolite1×
- [was] like/ topaz1×
- [was] a chrysolite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ2×
- כְ/תַרְשִׁ֗ישׁ1×
- בַּ/תַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ1×
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 lists tarshish as the fourth stone in the high priest's breastplate, emphasizing its role in a sacred object designed to represent the tribes of Israel before God.
-
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 physical execution of the command, showing that tarshish was enclosed in gold settings, demonstrating the precision and reverence applied to worship items.
-
Song of Solomon 5:14
His hands are like rings of gold set with beryl. His body is like ivory work overlaid with sapphires.
In this poetic context, the term (translated as beryl or jasper) describes the beloved’s body, using the stone’s luster to convey beauty and preciousness in human love.
-
Daniel 10:6
His body also was like beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches. His arms and his feet were like burnished bronze. The voice of his words was like the voice of a multitude.
The vision uses the stone’s appearance to describe a heavenly being’s body, linking the gem’s radiant quality to divine majesty and supernatural glory.