Bible Dictionary
Emerald
The emerald is a precious green stone. It is mentioned among the stones of the high priest’s breastplate and among the foundations of the New Jerusalem.
Definition
The emerald is a precious stone valued for its rich green color. It is identified with a stone in the high priest’s breastplate and is named among the foundations of the New Jerusalem.
Biblical Usage
The emerald appears in descriptions of the high priest’s breastplate and the foundations of the New Jerusalem. The rainbow around the throne is also compared with an emerald.
Historical Background
The supplied material says that the stone was imported to Tyre from Syria and was used as a seal or signet and as an ornament of clothing and bedding.
Scripture References
Exodus 28:18
Exodus 39:11
Revelation 21:19
Ezekiel 27:16
Sir 32:6
Ezekiel 28:13
Judges 10:21
Tob 13:16
Revelation 4:3
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heb. nophek (Ex. 28:18; 39:11); i.e., the “glowing stone”, probably the carbuncle, a precious stone in the breastplate of the high priest. It is mentioned (Rev. 21:19) as one of the foundations of the New Jerusalem. The name given to this stone in the New Testament Greek is smaragdos, which means “live coal.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a precious stone of a rich green color, upon which its value chiefly depends. This gem was the first in the second row on the breastplate of the high priest. (Exodus 28:18; 39:11) It was imported to Tyre from Syria, (Ezekiel 27:16) was used as a seal or signet, Ecclus. 32:6, as an ornament of clothing and bedding, (Ezekiel 28:13; Judges 10:21) and is spoken of as one of the foundations of Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:19) Tob. 13:16. The rainbow around the throne is compared to emerald in (Revelation 4:3)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>em'-er-ald.</p><p>See STONES, PRECIOUS.</p>