The Bible references precious stones and gems several times. These stones held great symbolic meaning and were used in the breastplates of the Jewish high priests, the foundations of the New Jerusalem, and the adornments of angels and saints. When determining the most precious stone in the Bible, the context and descriptions provide insight into which gem truly stands above the rest.
Precious Stones Mentioned in the Bible
There are over a dozen precious stones mentioned in the Bible. Some of the most notable include:
- Diamond
- Emerald
- Ruby
- Sapphire
- Topaz
- Beryl
- Onyx
- Jasper
- Carnelian
- Chrysolite
- Jacinth
- Amethyst
- Chrysoprase
- Agate
These stones were highly valued in ancient times and some carried important symbolic meaning. For example, the diamond represented strength, the emerald represented life and resurrection, and the amethyst signified purity. While all precious, a few stand out as most exalted in the Bible.
The Breastplate Stones
In the Book of Exodus, God instructs Moses to create sacred vestments for Aaron, the high priest. An essential element was an ornate breastpiece containing four rows with three precious stones in each row. Exodus 28:17-20 describes this breastpiece:
And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
These 12 stones were to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. The high priest would bear these stones over his heart when he entered the holy tabernacle to make atonement for the people before God. This divine breastpiece was key to ancient Jewish religious ceremonies.
The Stones of the Breastpiece
| Row | Stone 1 | Stone 2 | Stone 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sardius | Topaz | Carbuncle |
| 2 | Emerald | Sapphire | Diamond |
| 3 | Ligure | Agate | Amethyst |
| 4 | Beryl | Onyx | Jasper |
The diamond on the breastpiece represented the tribe of Zebulun. While all 12 stones held importance, the specificity of the diamond being inscribed with a tribe gives it particular merit.
Foundations of New Jerusalem
The Book of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem that descends from heaven in radiant glory. This divine city has 12 foundations adorned with precious stones. Revelation 21:19-20 states:
And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
Here the emerald represents life and resurrection as the central stone. However, the first stone of jasper has preeminence as the initial foundation. Jasper symbolizes divine glory and purity.
New Jerusalem Foundation Stones
| Foundation | Stone |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jasper |
| 2 | Sapphire |
| 3 | Chalcedony |
| 4 | Emerald |
| 5 | Sardonyx |
| 6 | Sardius |
| 7 | Chrysolyte |
| 8 | Beryl |
| 9 | Topaz |
| 10 | Chrysoprasus |
| 11 | Jacinth |
| 12 | Amethyst |
Satan’s Precious Stones
Ezekiel 28 describes the riches given to the fallen angel Lucifer before pride led to his downfall. In his splendor, Satan had all manners of precious stones adorning his being:
Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created (Ezekiel 28:13).
Out of all these jewels, the diamond is listed first, indicating preeminence. The diamond accented Satan’s glory and perfection before sin corrupted him. This allies the diamond with absolute beauty and light.
Satan’s Stones
| Stone |
|---|
| Diamond |
| Sardius |
| Topaz |
| Beryl |
| Onyx |
| Jasper |
| Sapphire |
| Emerald |
| Carbuncle |
The pearl of great price
Jesus used parables and metaphors to teach deep truths. One analogy Jesus made was comparing the kingdom of heaven to a priceless pearl in Matthew 13:45-46:
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Here Christ symbolizes salvation as the pearl beyond all value. While not technically a stone, the pearl represents what is most precious in God’s eyes – the eternal life freely given to those who believe.
Conclusion
When analyzing all biblical references, the diamond emerges as the most precious stone. Its splendor decorated Satan’s uncorrupted magnificence and was the first gemstone engraved for the breastpiece. The diamond’s preeminence in these contexts indicates superior beauty, perfection, and value over other gems. However, the pearl of great price transcends earthly stones, representing the kingdom of heaven Christ sacrificed all to offer humanity. In the end, spiritual jewels hold far greater worth than those of this world.