lemma בָּרְקַת variant form, corrected to בָּרֶקֶת; or בָּרְקַתxlit bârᵉkath corrected to bârᵉqath; from בָּרָק; a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald; carbuncle.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâreqeth**, represented by `{{H1304}}`, is a gem, likely a carbuncle or emerald, whose name suggests a flashing quality. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, always in the context of great value and divine appointment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H1304}}` is consistently listed among other valuable stones. In the instructions for the high priest's breastplate, it is specified as the third stone in the **first** `{{H259}}` **row** `{{H2905}}`, alongside the sardius and the topaz [[Exodus 28:17]]. This exact arrangement is repeated in the account of the breastplate's creation [[Exodus 39:10]]. The word is also found in the description of the king of Tyre's former glory in **Eden** `{{H5731}}`, the **garden** `{{H1588}}` of God, where the **carbuncle** `{{H1304}}` was one of the **precious** `{{H3368}}` **stones** `{{H68}}` that formed his **covering** `{{H4540}}` on the **day** `{{H3117}}` he was **created** `{{H1254}}` [[Ezekiel 28:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of **bâreqeth**:
* `{{H68}}` **'eben** (a stone): This is the foundational category to which `{{H1304}}` belongs. The breastplate was made with four rows of **stones** [[Exodus 28:17]], and the covering in Eden consisted of "every precious **stone**" [[Ezekiel 28:13]].
* `{{H2905}}` **ṭûwr** (a row): This word establishes the specific, orderly arrangement of the gems on the breastplate. The **carbuncle** `{{H1304}}` was placed in the first of **four** `{{H702}}` rows of stones ([[Exodus 28:17]], [[Exodus 39:10]]).
* `{{H3368}}` **yâqâr** (valuable, precious): This term, used in Ezekiel's account of Eden, describes the immense worth and beauty of the collection of gems that included the **carbuncle** `{{H1304}}` [[Ezekiel 28:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1304}}` is tied to its use in contexts of holiness and perfection.
* **Priestly Representation:** As a stone **set** `{{H4390}}` in the first **row** `{{H2905}}` of the high priest's breastplate, it was part of the sacred garments worn for ministering before God [[Exodus 28:17]].
* **Created Splendor:** Its presence as a **precious** `{{H3368}}` **stone** `{{H68}}` in the **garden** `{{H1588}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` associates it with the original, unspoiled beauty of creation [[Ezekiel 28:13]].
* **Divine Workmanship:** The stone is part of an array that includes other gems and **gold** `{{H2091}}`, whose **workmanship** `{{H4399}}` was **prepared** `{{H3559}}` by God, highlighting its role as an object of divine art and value [[Ezekiel 28:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1304}}` **bâreqeth** is a flashing gem whose importance is derived from its placement in divinely ordained settings. Whether as part of the orderly rows on the high priest's breastplate or among the brilliant stones of Eden, it signifies sacred value, divine order, and the perfect beauty of God's creation.
TRV