### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tarshîysh**, represented by `{{H8658}}`, is a gem identified as **beryl**. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. This precious stone is consistently associated with divine splendor, high priestly garments, and descriptions of heavenly beings and objects.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H8658}}` appears in several significant contexts. It is designated as one of the precious stones in the fourth row of the high priest's breastplate, set in gold ([[Exodus 28:20]], [[Exodus 39:13]]). The term is used to describe the unearthly appearance of the wheels in Ezekiel's vision, which were "like unto the colour of a beryl" ([[Ezekiel 1:16]], [[Ezekiel 10:9]]). It is also used to depict the glorious body of a heavenly being, whose form was "like the beryl" [[Daniel 10:6]]. Furthermore, it is listed among the precious stones that adorned a powerful being in the garden of God [[Ezekiel 28:13]] and in a simile describing beautiful hands as "gold rings set with the beryl" [[Song of Solomon 5:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other words for precious materials are biblically associated with **tarshîysh**, highlighting its place among valuable and sacred items:
* `{{H7718}}` **shôham** (onyx): A gem often listed alongside beryl in the priest's breastplate [[Exodus 28:20]] and as part of the covering of every precious stone in Eden [[Ezekiel 28:13]].
* `{{H3471}}` **yâshᵉphêh** (jasper): This gem appears with beryl and onyx in the fourth row of the breastplate, completing the set [[Exodus 39:13]].
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold): The settings for the beryl and other stones on the breastplate were made of gold [[Exodus 28:20]]. It is also used in a description of hands adorned with beryl [[Song of Solomon 5:14]].
* `{{H5601}}` **çappîyr** (sapphire): In [[Song of Solomon 5:14]], hands set with beryl are contrasted with a body overlaid with sapphires, creating an image of immense value and beauty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8658}}` is tied to its use in describing divine and sacred things.
* **Priestly Consecration:** As a stone on the high priest's breastplate, beryl is part of the sacred vestments that represent the tribes of Israel and qualify the priest to stand before God [[Exodus 28:20]].
* **Divine Manifestation:** The gem's appearance is used to articulate the nature of heavenly visions. The wheels of God's chariot-throne [[Ezekiel 1:16]] and the body of a celestial messenger [[Daniel 10:6]] are likened to beryl, conveying their glorious and transcendent nature.
* **Original Perfection:** Its inclusion as one of the stones in the "garden of God" suggests a connection to a state of primordial beauty and perfection created by God [[Ezekiel 28:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8658}}` is a word that signifies more than just a precious stone. It is a symbol of sacredness, heavenly glory, and created perfection. From its place on the priest's breastplate to its use in describing the very appearance of divine beings and their instruments, **tarshîysh** consistently points to a value and beauty that originates in the divine realm.
TRV