The Hebrew word yâshᵉphêh, represented by H3471, is a gem identified as jasper. Derived from an unused root that means "to polish," this word appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. It consistently denotes a precious stone used for significant adornment.
In its biblical appearances, H3471 is featured in two primary contexts. It is listed as the final stone in the fourth H7243 row H2905 of the high priest's breastplate, alongside a beryl H8658 and an onyx H7718. These stones were to be set H7660 in gold H2091 within their inclosings H4396 (Exodus 28:20, Exodus 39:13). It is also named among the "every precious H3368 stone H68" that formed the covering of a being in Eden H5731, the garden H1588 of God H430 Ezekiel 28:13.
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of the jasper:
- H8658 tarshîysh (beryl): Defined as "a gem, perhaps the topaz," this stone is mentioned immediately before jasper in all three of its appearances (Exodus 28:20, Exodus 39:13, Ezekiel 28:13).
- H7718 shôham (onyx): This gem, "probably the beryl," also appears alongside jasper in the fourth H7243 row H2905 of the breastplate and in the covering described in Ezekiel (Exodus 28:20, Exodus 39:13, Ezekiel 28:13).
- H2905 ṭûwr (row): This word, meaning "a row; hence, a wall," establishes the organized, structured placement of the jasper and other gems on the breastplate (Exodus 28:20, Exodus 39:13).
- H4396 milluʼâh (inclosings): Meaning "a filling, i.e. setting (of gems)," this term describes the method by which the jasper was fastened in gold H2091 (Exodus 28:20, Exodus 39:13).
The theological significance of H3471 is tied to its placement in divinely ordained settings.
- Priestly Adornment: As a stone on the high priest's breastplate, the jasper was part of the holy garments representing the tribes of Israel before God. It was placed in the fourth H7243 row H2905 and inclosed H4142 in ouches H4865 of gold H2091 Exodus 39:13.
- Heavenly Splendor: Its inclusion as one of the precious H3368 stones in Eden H5731, the garden H1588 of God H430, links it to themes of primordial perfection, divine beauty, and celestial honor Ezekiel 28:13.
- Divine Order: In both the breastplate and the covering in Eden, the jasper is part of a specific, ordered collection of gems, highlighting God's attention to detail and the value He places on beauty and craftsmanship.
In summary, yâshᵉphêh H3471 is a rare but significant term for the jasper. Though mentioned only three times, its use in the high priest's breastplate and in the description of a magnificent being in God's garden establishes it as a symbol of holiness, divine craftsmanship, and the exquisite beauty associated with God's presence and design.
TRV