Original Word: סַפִּיר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: cappiyr
Pronunciation: sah-peer'
Phonetic Spelling: (sap-peer')
Definition: Sapphire
Meaning: a gem, the sapphire

sapphire

From caphar; a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire -- sapphire.

see HEBREW caphar

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a sapphire
NASB Translation
lapis lazuli (2), lapis lazuli* (1), sapphire (5), sapphires (3).

סַמִּיר noun [masculine] sapphire, perhaps also lapis lazuli (compare Di^{Exodus 24:10} Now^{Archaeology i. 131}) (Late Hebrew id., and סַמְמִּירִינוֺן; ᵑ7 סַמִּרִינוֺן; ᵑ6 ; loan-word from Sanskrit canipriya according to Lag^{Ges. Abh. 72} Lewy^{Fremdw. 56} compare Greek σάπφειρος); — absolute ׳ס Exodus 24:10 8t.; pluralסַמִּירִים Isaiah 54:11; Songs 5:14; — with other jewels as ornaments of prince Ezekiel 28:13; in high priest's breastplate Exodus 28:18; Exodus 39:11; found in mines Job 28:6, costly Job 28:16 compare Isaiah 54:11; taking high polish Lamentations 4:7 (in figurative); שֵׁן מְעֻלֶּפֶת סַמִּירִים Songs 5:14 ivory covered with sapphires (in figurative); lapis lazuli, according to Hi BU Du and others in Job 28:6 (עַפְרֹת זָהָב לוֺ being understood of sparkling crystals of iron pyrites in this), but see Di; lapis lazuli may be intended in ׳לִבְנַת הַסּ Exodus 24:10 (J) pavement of sapphire (in theoph.), compare ׳אֶבֶןסֿ Ezekiel 1:26; Ezekiel 10:1.

Word Origin: Derived from a root that may mean "to scratch" or "to polish," indicating the gem's hardness and brilliance.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek entry for sapphire is Strong's G4552, σάπφειρος (sappheiros), which similarly denotes the precious gemstone known for its deep blue color. This term appears in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, where it is used to describe the foundations of the New Jerusalem, maintaining the symbolic association of sapphires with divine beauty and eternal splendor.

Usage: The term סַפִּיר is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe a precious stone, often associated with beauty, splendor, and divine presence. It is mentioned in contexts that highlight its value and significance, such as in descriptions of the high priest's breastplate, the foundations of the New Jerusalem, and the throne of God.

Context: The Hebrew word סַפִּיר (Sappir) refers to the sapphire, a precious gemstone renowned for its striking blue hue. In the ancient Near East, sapphires were highly prized and often associated with royalty and divinity. The Bible frequently mentions sapphires in contexts that emphasize their beauty and worth.

In Exodus 24:10, the appearance of the God of Israel is described as having a pavement of sapphire stone, illustrating the divine majesty and purity: "and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself" (BSB). This imagery underscores the heavenly and transcendent nature of God's presence.

The high priest's breastplate, as detailed in Exodus 28:18, includes a sapphire among its twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. This inclusion signifies the stone's importance and the honor bestowed upon the tribes.

In Ezekiel 1:26, the prophet's vision of God's throne is described as being like sapphire, further associating the gem with divine authority and glory: "Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone" (BSB).

The Book of Revelation, while not part of the Hebrew Bible, also references sapphires in the context of the New Jerusalem's foundations, highlighting the continuity of the gem's symbolic significance across both Testaments.

בַּסַּפִּירִֽים׃ בספירים׃ הַסַּפִּ֔יר הספיר וְסַפִּֽיר׃ וספיר׃ סַפִּ֔יר סַפִּ֖יר סַפִּ֣יר סַפִּ֥יר סַפִּירִֽים׃ ספיר ספירים׃ bas·sap·pî·rîm bassappiRim bassappîrîm has·sap·pîr hassapPir hassappîr sap·pî·rîm sap·pîr sapPir sappîr sappiRim sappîrîm vesapPir wə·sap·pîr wəsappîrInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts