from סָפַר; a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire; sapphire.
Transliteration:çappîyr
Pronunciation:sap-peer'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term çappîyr (`{{H5601}}`) denotes a precious stone, almost universally identified with the sapphire. Its etymological connection to sāphar (`{{H5608}}`), "to count" or "to recount/tell," is debated. Some scholars suggest it refers to the gem's use in engraving or marking, given its hardness, consistent with the "scratching" aspect in the base definition. Others propose a link to its brilliance or the way light might be "counted" or reflected within it. The primary semantic range is limited to this specific gemstone, characterized by its deep blue color, although ancient understanding of "sapphire" might have encompassed other blue stones like lapis lazuli. The Septuagint typically renders it as *sappheiros*.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term çappîyr appears sparingly but significantly in the Old Testament, primarily in contexts of divine glory, priestly adornment, and heavenly visions.
1. **[[Exodus 24:10]]**: This is perhaps the most profound occurrence. During the covenant ratification ceremony, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel "saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there was something like a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself." Here, çappîyr describes the very ground beneath God's feet, emphasizing divine transcendence, purity, and the unapproachable glory of God. The clarity ("as clear as the sky itself") suggests a translucent, radiant blue, not merely an opaque stone.
2. **[[Exodus 28:18]] & [[Exodus 39:11]]**: The sapphire is listed as the second stone in the second row of the high priest's breastpiece (the *choshen mishpat*). It represented the tribe of Simeon. Its inclusion among the twelve stones signifies its value and beauty, fitting for an object dedicated to God's service and representing the tribes of Israel before Him.
3. **[[Job 28:6]], [[Job 28:16]]**: In this poetic discourse on the inaccessibility of wisdom, Job describes the earth as a source of precious stones, including çappîyr. It is mentioned alongside gold, onyx, and other valuable minerals, highlighting its rarity and intrinsic worth. Wisdom, however, is deemed more precious and cannot be bought with such treasures.
4. **[[Ezekiel 1:26]] & [[Ezekiel 10:1]]**: In Ezekiel's astounding vision of God's throne-chariot, the throne itself is described as having "the appearance of a sapphire stone." This echoes the imagery in Exodus 24, reinforcing the idea of a divine presence seated upon a foundation of unparalleled beauty, purity, and celestial blue. The sapphire here symbolizes the majesty, stability, and heavenly nature of God's sovereignty.
5. **[[Isaiah 54:11]]**: In a prophecy of restoration and future glory for Zion, God promises to lay its foundations with çappîyr stones, and its gates with "carbuncles" (or rubies) and all its borders with "pleasant stones." This imagery conveys divine blessing, security, and the enduring beauty of the restored Jerusalem, built on foundations of celestial splendor.
6. **[[Lamentations 4:7]]**: This verse describes the "princes" or "nobles" of Jerusalem before its destruction, whose "complexion was brighter than sapphire." This is a simile emphasizing their former health, vigor, and radiant appearance, now tragically diminished by famine and suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **sāphar (`{{H5608}}`):** The root verb, "to count, number, recount, tell." While the direct connection to çappîyr is debated, it hints at the gem's properties, perhaps its hardness for engraving or its clear, countable facets.
* **Precious Stones:** çappîyr belongs to a category of valuable minerals ('even yeqarah `{{H68}}` `{{H3368}}`) mentioned throughout the Bible (e.g., gold, onyx, emerald, diamond, ruby, beryl). These stones often symbolize wealth, beauty, divine glory, and the preciousness of God's creation or His people.
* **Heavenly Imagery:** The frequent association of çappîyr with the divine throne, the pavement under God's feet, and the foundations of the New Jerusalem links it strongly with celestial and eschatological themes. It evokes the blue of the sky, symbolizing God's dwelling place and His transcendent nature.
* **Purity and Clarity:** The description in [[Exodus 24:10]], "as clear as the sky itself," emphasizes the gem's transparency and brilliance, aligning it with concepts of divine purity, truth, and unblemished glory.
* **sappheiros (`{{G4551}}`):** The Greek Septuagint and New Testament equivalent. Although çappîyr itself does not appear in the Greek New Testament, the concept of precious stones, including those with a similar blue hue, is present in descriptions of the New Jerusalem (e.g., [[Revelation 21:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of çappîyr is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Transcendence and Glory:** Most strikingly, çappîyr serves as a visual metaphor for the unapproachable glory and transcendence of God. The "pavement of sapphire" under His feet ([[Exodus 24:10]]) and the "throne of sapphire" ([[Ezekiel 1:26]]) depict a God whose very foundation and seat of authority are composed of ultimate beauty, purity, and celestial radiance. This imagery underscores God's majesty, His otherness, and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence.
2. **Purity and Holiness:** The clarity and brilliance associated with sapphire, particularly "as clear as the sky itself," symbolize divine purity and holiness. It suggests a God who is unblemished, perfect, and whose presence brings light and truth.
3. **Covenant and Presence:** In the context of the covenant ceremony at Sinai, the sapphire pavement signifies the solid, unshakeable foundation of God's covenant with Israel. It is the very ground upon which God reveals Himself, making His presence tangible yet awe-inspiring.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** The prophecy in [[Isaiah 54:11]], where Zion's foundations are laid with çappîyr, speaks to a future of divine blessing, security, and restoration. It paints a picture of a renewed, glorious Jerusalem, built by God Himself, embodying eternal beauty and peace. This imagery is carried into the New Testament's vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, where precious stones adorn the city's foundations.
5. **Divine Order and Beauty:** The inclusion of sapphire in the high priest's breastpiece ([[Exodus 28:18]]) highlights its role in the divinely ordained order of worship and representation. It signifies beauty, value, and the preciousness of God's people in His sight.
### Summary
The Hebrew word çappîyr (`{{H5601}}`) refers to the sapphire, a precious blue gemstone. Its biblical occurrences consistently link it to themes of divine glory, transcendence, and purity. From the "pavement of sapphire" under God's feet at Sinai ([[Exodus 24:10]]) to the "throne of sapphire" in Ezekiel's vision ([[Ezekiel 1:26]]), the stone powerfully symbolizes the majestic, unapproachable nature of God's presence. It represents the solid, beautiful foundation of His sovereignty and covenant. As a stone in the high priest's breastpiece ([[Exodus 28:18]]), it signifies value and divine order. Furthermore, its use in prophetic imagery for the rebuilt Zion ([[Isaiah 54:11]]) points to a future of divine blessing and eternal beauty. The çappîyr, with its celestial blue and inherent brilliance, serves as a potent biblical metaphor for God's holiness, His glorious dwelling, and the enduring beauty of His divine plan.
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