Original Word: אַחְלָמָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: achlamah
Pronunciation: ahk-lah-MAH
Phonetic Spelling: (akh-law'-maw)
Definition: Amethyst
Meaning: a gem, the amethyst

amethyst

Perhaps from chalam (and thus dream-stone); a gem, probably the amethyst -- amethyst.

see HEBREW chalam

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
amethyst
NASB Translation
amethyst (2), GOD (1).

אַחְלָ֑מָה noun feminine perhaps amethyst (etymology dubious; below חלם Thes q. v.; Hal^{JAs 7, x. 426} from חלם être fort, solide; Di Kn compare Talmud חַלְמִית, malva & think of green malachite; Dl^{HA 36 N derived} from Aramaic land A—lamû), amethyst according to ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Josephus; see also Lag^{GGA 1884, 285}, but compare Di; one of the gems on the ephod Exodus 28:19; Exodus 39:12.

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to dream.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek entry for the amethyst is Strong's G271, ἀμέθυστος (amethystos), which also refers to the amethyst stone. This Greek term appears in the New Testament in the book of Revelation, where it is listed among the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, highlighting its significance in both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures.

Usage: The term אַחְלָמָה is used in the context of describing a precious stone, the amethyst, which is noted for its purple or violet color. It is mentioned in the Bible as part of the high priest's breastplate and in the description of the New Jerusalem.

Context: The Hebrew word אַחְלָמָה (achlamah) refers to the amethyst, a precious stone known for its striking purple hue. In the Old Testament, the amethyst is one of the twelve stones set in the breastplate of the high priest, as described in Exodus 28:19 and Exodus 39:12. This breastplate, also known as the "breastplate of judgment," was worn by the high priest as a symbol of his role in representing the twelve tribes of Israel before God. Each stone on the breastplate corresponded to one of the tribes, and the amethyst is traditionally associated with the tribe of Issachar.

Additionally, the amethyst is mentioned in the book of Revelation as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20). This imagery underscores the stone's enduring value and beauty, symbolizing spiritual wealth and divine glory.

The amethyst's association with dreams, as suggested by its root meaning, may also imply a connection to spiritual insight or revelation, aligning with its use in religious and ceremonial contexts.

וְאַחְלָֽמָה׃ ואחלמה׃ veachLamah wə’aḥlāmāh wə·’aḥ·lā·māhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts