lemma בָּרְקַת variant form, corrected to בָּרֶקֶת; or בָּרְקַתxlit bârᵉkath corrected to bârᵉqath; from בָּרָק; a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald; carbuncle.
Transliteration:bâreqeth
Pronunciation:baw-reh'-keth
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word בָּרֶקֶת (bâreqeth, `{{H1304}}`) is a noun referring to a precious gemstone. Its etymological root is בָּרָק (bârâq, `{{H1300}}`), meaning "lightning" or "flash." This derivation is crucial to understanding its core meaning: a gem characterized by its brilliant, flashing, or sparkling quality. The base definition provided suggests it is "a gem (as flashing)."
The precise identification of בָּרֶקֶת in modern mineralogy is debated, with possibilities including "emerald" or "carbuncle." If "emerald," it would be a vibrant green stone known for its luster. If "carbuncle," it would typically refer to a deep red garnet, which can also exhibit a fiery brilliance. The ambiguity highlights that the primary characteristic conveyed by the name is not a specific color, but rather the stone's intense light reflection and luminosity. It is a gem that "flashes" or "gleams" vividly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word בָּרֶקֶת (`{{H1304}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the book of Exodus, specifically in the descriptions related to the high priest's breastplate:
* **[[Exodus 28:17]]**: "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." Here, בָּרֶקֶת is listed as the third stone in the first row of the breastplate, alongside the sardius (אֹדֶם, `{{H124}}`, red) and the topaz (פִּטְדָה, `{{H6357}}`, yellow/green). Its placement indicates it was a distinct and highly valued gem.
* **[[Exodus 39:10]]**: "And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row." This verse reiterates the composition of the breastplate, confirming the inclusion of בָּרֶקֶת in the actual construction, mirroring the divine command in chapter 28.
In both contexts, בָּרֶקֶת is part of a collection of twelve unique gemstones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. These stones were set into the breastplate of judgment (חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט), which the high priest wore over his heart when entering the Holy Place. This specific, sacred context imbues בָּרֶקֶת with significant symbolic weight, representing one of the tribes before the Lord. Its "flashing" quality likely contributed to the overall splendor and divine radiance of the priestly garment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the root from which בָּרֶקֶת derives: בָּרָק (bârâq, `{{H1300}}`). This noun literally means "lightning" or "flash," and as a verb, "to flash" or "to gleam." The connection underscores the primary characteristic of the בָּרֶקֶת stone as something that shines intensely or reflects light brilliantly.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Precious Stones (אֶבֶן יְקָרָה)**: בָּרֶקֶת belongs to the broader category of precious stones, which are frequently used in Scripture to symbolize wealth, beauty, divine glory, and the foundations of God's holy dwelling or new creation ([[Revelation 21:19-20]]).
* **Glory (כָּבוֹד - kâḇôḏ, `{{H3519}}`)**: The concept of divine glory is often depicted with imagery of dazzling light, fire, and brilliance. The breastplate, adorned with בָּרֶקֶת and other radiant stones, was an object of "glory and beauty" ([[Exodus 28:2]]), reflecting the majesty of God.
* **The Breastplate Stones**: All twelve stones on the breastplate are intrinsically related, forming a collective representation of God's people. Each stone, with its unique color and brilliance, contributed to the overall divine aesthetic and symbolic power of the high priest's garment.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of בָּרֶקֶת on the high priest's breastplate carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Design and Holiness**: As part of a divinely commanded design, בָּרֶקֶת signifies God's meticulous attention to detail and His desire for beauty and perfection in worship. Its presence on a sacred garment underscores its inherent purity and suitability for representing God's people in a holy context.
* **Representation of Israel**: Each stone on the breastplate represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. בָּרֶקֶת, therefore, symbolized a specific tribe, demonstrating that each part of God's covenant people was precious and individually known by Him. The collective brilliance of the stones could symbolize the radiance of God's glory *on* and *through* His people.
* **Luminosity and Divine Presence**: The etymological link to "lightning" suggests that בָּרֶקֶת contributed to the overall sense of awe and divine presence associated with the high priest's ministry. Just as lightning is a manifestation of God's power and majesty ([[Psalm 77:18]]), the flashing of this gem on the priest's heart could have served as a tangible reminder of the glorious, radiant God who dwelt among them.
* **Beauty and Perfection**: The breastplate, adorned with these precious stones, was not merely functional but also an object of immense beauty. This beauty reflected the perfect character of God and the aesthetic dimensions of His holiness, inviting reverence and wonder.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בָּרֶקֶת (bâreqeth, `{{H1304}}`) denotes a precious gemstone whose primary characteristic is its brilliant, flashing quality, derived from the root בָּרָק (`{{H1300}}`), meaning "lightning." While its precise modern identification as emerald or carbuncle remains debated, its luminosity is its defining feature. Appearing exclusively in [[Exodus 28:17]] and [[Exodus 39:10]], בָּרֶקֶת is one of the twelve stones adorning the high priest's breastplate, each representing a tribe of Israel. Theologically, its inclusion highlights God's specific divine design for worship, the preciousness and representation of His people before Him, and the awe-inspiring, radiant nature of God's presence. Its inherent brilliance contributes to the overall symbolism of glory, beauty, and holiness embodied in the sacred priestly garments.
TRV