of foreign derivation; a gem, probably the topaz; topaz.
Transliteration:piṭdâh
Pronunciation:pit-daw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פִּטְדָה (piṭdâh), transliterated as *piṭdâh* (`{{H6357}}`), refers to a precious gem. Its etymology is noted as being "of foreign derivation," suggesting it was not a native Hebrew word but adopted from another language, likely indicating the exotic origin of the stone itself. The base definition identifies it as "a gem, probably the topaz." In ancient contexts, the stone referred to as "topaz" was generally understood to be a yellow-green peridot or chrysolite, rather than the modern mineralogical topaz (aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide). This distinction is crucial for accurate understanding, as the ancient "topaz" was prized for its luminous, often fiery yellow or greenish-yellow hue. Its semantic range is thus confined to a specific type of valuable, translucent gemstone, recognized for its beauty and rarity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פִּטְדָה (piṭdâh) appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to a precious stone:
* **[[Exodus 28:17]]**: This is the first mention, where *piṭdâh* is specified as the first stone in the first row of the high priest's breastplate (the *choshen mishpat*). It was to be set in gold filigree and engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, symbolizing Reuben. This context highlights its sacred function and its role in representing God's people before Him.
* **[[Exodus 39:10]]**: This verse reiterates the instruction from [[Exodus 28:17]], describing the actual crafting of the breastplate by the skilled artisans Bezalel and Oholiab. The inclusion of *piṭdâh* in this detailed account underscores its importance in the divinely ordained priestly attire, emphasizing meticulous adherence to God's precise instructions for worship.
* **[[Job 28:19]]**: Here, *piṭdâh* is mentioned in a poetic discourse on the inestimable value of wisdom. The text states, "The topaz of Cush cannot be compared with it, nor can it be valued in pure gold." This verse uses *piṭdâh* as a benchmark for extreme material wealth and beauty, only to declare that true wisdom (חָכְמָה, *chokmah* `{{H2451}}`) far surpasses it in worth. The reference to "Cush" (ancient Ethiopia/Sudan) suggests a renowned source for particularly fine specimens of this stone.
* **[[Ezekiel 28:13]]**: In a lament over the King of Tyre, who is portrayed with Edenic imagery, *piṭdâh* is listed among the nine precious stones that adorned him. "Every precious stone was your covering: the ruby, the topaz, and the emerald..." This depiction evokes a sense of pristine beauty, perfection, and lavish divine endowment, though ironically applied to a figure who fell through pride. The context links *piṭdâh* with an original state of glory and paradisiacal splendor.
Across these occurrences, *piṭdâh* consistently denotes a gem of high value and beauty, whether in the context of sacred representation, an exemplar of earthly wealth, or an emblem of pristine, perhaps even divine, adornment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of פִּטְדָה (piṭdâh) is enriched by its relationship to other terms for precious stones and associated concepts:
* **Other Precious Stones:** The most direct relation is to the array of other gemstones mentioned alongside *piṭdâh* in the breastplate (e.g., אֹדֶם *ʾoḏem* `{{H124}}` 'ruby/carnelian', בָּרֶקֶת *bāreqet* `{{H1304}}` 'emerald/carbuncle', נֹפֶךְ *nop̄ek* `{{H5291}}` 'turquoise/carbuncle', סַפִּיר *sappîr* `{{H5601}}` 'sapphire', יָהֲלֹם *yāhalōm* `{{H3095}}` 'diamond/jasper', לֶשֶׁם *lešem* `{{H3958}}` 'jacinth/ligure', שְׁבוֹ *šəḇô* `{{H7618}}` 'agate', אַחְלָמָה *ʾaḥlāmâ* `{{H273}}` 'amethyst', תַּרְשִׁישׁ *taršîš* `{{H8658}}` 'beryl/chrysolite', שֹׁהַם *šōham* `{{H7718}}` 'onyx', יָשְׁפֵה *yāšp̄eh* `{{H3471}}` 'jasper'). These collective listings emphasize the divine appreciation for beauty and the symbolic significance of each unique stone.
* **The Breastplate (חֹשֶׁן *choshen* `{{H2833}}`):** The primary context for *piṭdâh* is its inclusion in the high priest's breastplate. This garment was not merely decorative but deeply symbolic, representing the twelve tribes of Israel before God and serving as a means of divine communication (Urim and Thummim).
* **Priestly Garments (בִּגְדֵי קֹדֶשׁ *bigde qodesh* `{{H899}}`):** As part of the holy garments, *piṭdâh* is associated with the sacredness of the priesthood and the meticulous requirements for approaching God.
* **Wealth and Value (יָקָר *yaqar* `{{H3368}}`):** The use of *piṭdâh* in Job 28 highlights its status as a highly valued commodity, often contrasted with the even greater value of wisdom.
* **Wisdom (חָכְמָה *chokmah* `{{H2451}}`):** The comparison in Job 28 establishes a theological hierarchy where spiritual insight and understanding of God's ways are infinitely more precious than any material wealth, even the most beautiful gemstones.
* **Adornment and Beauty:** The presence of *piṭdâh* in the descriptions of the breastplate and the King of Tyre's adornment underscores its role in signifying beauty, honor, and a state of perfection or high status.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פִּטְדָה (piṭdâh) is multifaceted, drawing from its various biblical contexts:
* **Divine Order and Representation:** Its precise placement as the first stone on the high priest's breastplate in [[Exodus 28:17]] signifies God's meticulous design for worship and His covenant relationship with Israel. Each stone, including the *piṭdâh*, represented a specific tribe, emphasizing God's personal knowledge, care, and intercession for His people through the high priest. This arrangement speaks to the divine ordering of creation and redemption.
* **Holiness and Consecration:** As an integral part of the sacred priestly vestments, *piṭdâh* is associated with holiness and the consecrated space of God's presence. The beauty and preciousness of the stone contribute to the overall splendor of the garments, reflecting the glory and majesty of the God being served.
* **The Supremacy of Wisdom:** The profound declaration in [[Job 28:19]] that "the topaz of Cush cannot be compared with it [wisdom]" delivers a powerful theological message. It asserts that true wisdom, which is rooted in the fear of the Lord and understanding His ways, transcends all earthly wealth, beauty, and material value. This serves as a vital corrective against the human tendency to prioritize material possessions over spiritual insight and divine knowledge.
* **Edenic Perfection and Fallen Glory:** In [[Ezekiel 28:13]], the use of *piṭdâh* in the description of the King of Tyre's adornment, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, points to an initial state of perfection, beauty, and divine favor. The subsequent downfall of the king, however, highlights the ephemeral nature of even divinely bestowed glory when corrupted by pride. It serves as a poignant reminder of creation's original splendor and the tragic consequences of sin.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פִּטְדָה (piṭdâh, `{{H6357}}`) refers to a precious gemstone, likely an ancient form of topaz or peridot, noted for its yellow-green hue and foreign origin. Biblically, it appears in four significant contexts: its placement as the first stone on the high priest's breastplate ([[Exodus 28:17]], [[Exodus 39:10]]), symbolizing the tribe of Reuben and God's ordered representation of His people; its use in [[Job 28:19]] to illustrate the incomparable value of wisdom over all material wealth; and its mention in [[Ezekiel 28:13]] as part of the lavish, Eden-like adornment of the King of Tyre, signifying initial perfection and beauty. Theologically, *piṭdâh* underscores divine order and the consecrated nature of worship, powerfully teaches the supremacy of spiritual wisdom over earthly riches, and serves as a poignant emblem of both original glory and the tragic consequences of pride.
TRV