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Amethyst

Nature

âš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

A purple variety of quartz used as a decorative gemstone in antiquity. It is mentioned in biblical texts as a component of ceremonial attire and symbolic architecture.

What is the meaning of Amethyst in the Bible?

A purple variety of quartz used as a decorative gemstone in antiquity. It is mentioned in biblical texts as a component of ceremonial attire and symbolic architecture.

SIGNIFICANCE

Its inclusion in the high priest's breastplate and the description of the New Jerusalem reflects the ancient world's valuation of rare minerals as symbols of status and divine order.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Amethyst were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Amethyst in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Amethyst clarify?

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

"Amethyst." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/amethyst/
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