from an unused root meaning to polish; a gem supposed to be jasper (from the resemblance in name); jasper.
Transliteration:yâshᵉphêh
Pronunciation:yaw-shef-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יָשְׁפֵה (yâshᵉphêh), Strong's number `{{H3471}}`, refers specifically to the gemstone known as "jasper." The base definition suggests its etymology stems from an unused root signifying "to polish," implying a connection to the stone's inherent luster or the process by which its beauty is revealed. This etymological hint subtly underscores the stone's visual properties: its smooth, often vibrant surface. Semantically, יָשְׁפֵה is quite narrow, denoting only this particular precious stone. However, its significance expands through its symbolic usage within biblical contexts, where its physical characteristics contribute to deeper theological meaning. Jasper is known for its opacity and wide range of colors, often mottled or striped, yet capable of a high polish, allowing it to reflect light beautifully.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term יָשְׁפֵה (yâshᵉphêh) appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in contexts describing sacred objects and divine glory.
1. **Exodus 28:20 and 39:13:** Jasper is designated as the twelfth and final stone in the fourth row of the high priest's breastplate (the Hoshen). Each stone on the breastplate represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, with jasper typically associated with the tribe of Benjamin. Its position as the concluding stone suggests a sense of completion and the full representation of God's people before Him. The breastplate itself was a garment of judgment and revelation, worn by the high priest when entering the Holy of Holies, signifying the carrying of the tribes' names into God's presence.
2. **Ezekiel 28:13:** Jasper is listed among the nine precious stones that adorned the "king of Tyre," a figure described with imagery evocative of the Garden of Eden and cherubic splendor. Here, the inclusion of jasper contributes to a portrayal of immense beauty, wealth, and perhaps a primeval, uncorrupted state, though in this context, it highlights the eventual fall from such glory. The list of stones echoes the adornments of the high priest, linking the earthly king to a quasi-divine, Edenic perfection that was ultimately corrupted.
While יָשְׁפֵה (yâshᵉphêh) is a Hebrew term, its conceptual presence extends into the New Testament through the Greek word ἴασπις (iaspis), `{{G2393}}`. This is particularly notable in the Book of Revelation:
* **Revelation 4:3:** The appearance of God on His throne is likened to jasper and carnelian, emphasizing divine brilliance, purity, and awe-inspiring majesty.
* **Revelation 21:11, 18, 19:** Jasper is the primary stone associated with the New Jerusalem. Its walls are described as being built of jasper, and the city itself shines with the glory of God, "like a most precious jewel, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." This imagery underscores the city's divine origin, its incomparable beauty, and its absolute purity and transparency, reflecting the light of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of יָשְׁפֵה (yâshᵉphêh) naturally connects to several broader biblical concepts and related terms:
* **Precious Stones:** The most direct relation is to other gemstones mentioned alongside jasper, such as those in the high priest's breastplate (e.g., `{{H6288}}` bareqeth - emerald, `{{H7726}}` shoham - onyx) or the stones of Eden. These stones collectively symbolize beauty, value, and often divine favor or presence.
* **Priestly Garments:** The Hoshen, or breastplate, is central to understanding jasper's role in the Old Testament. It links the stone to the representation of Israel and the priestly mediation between God and His people.
* **Glory and Splendor:** The consistent use of precious stones, including jasper, to describe divine appearances (e.g., Ezekiel, Revelation) or blessed states (Eden, New Jerusalem) ties the word to concepts of divine glory, purity, and unparalleled beauty.
* **Light and Purity:** The etymological hint of "polishing" and the description of jasper as "clear as crystal" in Revelation point to its capacity to reflect or transmit light, symbolizing divine illumination and absolute purity.
* **New Jerusalem:** In the New Testament, jasper becomes a foundational element of the heavenly city, linking it to eschatological hope, the culmination of God's redemptive plan, and the dwelling place of God with humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יָשְׁפֵה (yâshᵉphêh) is profound, evolving from its initial representation to its ultimate symbolic role in eschatological vision:
1. **Representation of Israel:** As one of the twelve stones on the breastplate, jasper embodies one of the tribes of Israel, signifying God's covenant relationship with His people and their constant presence before Him through the high priest. Its position as the final stone completes the picture of a unified, divinely chosen nation.
2. **Divine Glory and Purity:** The most striking theological implication of jasper, particularly in Revelation, is its association with the very appearance of God and the New Jerusalem. Its brilliance and clarity symbolize God's unapproachable light, His absolute holiness, and His perfect purity. The city's walls being jasper suggests that the divine presence itself is its defense and its glory.
3. **Perfection and Completion:** Jasper's role as the twelfth stone in the breastplate and its prominence in the description of the New Jerusalem (the culmination of God's plan) imbues it with a sense of perfection, completeness, and finality in God's redemptive work. It speaks to a state of ultimate restoration and blessedness.
4. **Heavenly Beauty and Value:** The consistent portrayal of jasper as a precious, beautiful stone contributes to the biblical imagery of heaven as a place of surpassing beauty, value, and perfection, reflecting the majesty of its Creator. It is a tangible representation of the inestimable worth of God's presence and His eternal kingdom.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יָשְׁפֵה (yâshᵉphêh), `{{H3471}}`, denotes "jasper," a precious gemstone whose name may derive from a root meaning "to polish." Biblically, it first appears as the twelfth stone on the high priest's breastplate, symbolizing one of the tribes of Israel and representing the fullness of God's people. It also features among the stones adorning the king of Tyre, signifying primeval beauty and wealth. In the New Testament, through the Greek ἴασπις (iaspis), `{{G2393}}`, jasper takes on profound theological significance, being used to describe the appearance of God's glory and forming the very walls of the New Jerusalem. This imagery underscores divine purity, unapproachable light, and the ultimate beauty and perfection of God's presence in His eternal kingdom. The stone's inherent brilliance and capacity for polish reflect its symbolic role in conveying God's majestic and radiant holiness.
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