Original Word: בְּדֹלח
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: bdolach
Pronunciation: beh-do'-lakh
Phonetic Spelling: (bed-o'-lakh)
KJV: bdellium
NASB: bdellium
Word Origin: [probably from H914 (בָּדַל - separated)]

1. something in pieces
2. bdellium, a (fragrant) gum (perhaps amber in color, resembling myrrh)
3. others a pearl

bdellium

Probably from badal; something in pieces, i.e. Bdellium, a (fragrant) gum (perhaps amber); others a pearl -- bdellium.

see HEBREW badal

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
probably bdellium
NASB Translation
bdellium (2).

בְּדֹ֫לַח noun [masculine] probably bdellium (ᵑ6 ; ᵑ7 בְּדוּלְחָא; etymology dubious; Lag^{Ges. Abh. 20} proposes Sanskrit udûkhala) with article ׳הַבְּ, apparently therefore well known; one of the products of the land Havilah Genesis 2:12; used in simile of colour of manna וְעֵינוֺ כְּעֵין הַבְּדֹלַח Numbers 11:7. — Meaning somewhat uncertain; ᵐ5 Genesis 2:12 ἄνθραξ, Numbers 11:7 κρύσταλλος; Saad AW Ki Bo and others pearls, compare Lag Or. ii. 44; Jos^{Ant. iii. 1}. 6 Aq Theod Symm ᵑ7 most bdellium, an odoriferous transparent gum, of yellowish colour. (compare Smith^{Dict. Bible} Sigismund^{Aromata, 18}.)

Occurrences in Scripture

Genesis 2:12 places bdellium among the natural treasures of the land surrounding the garden in Eden, linking it with gold and onyx. Numbers 11:7 compares the manna that sustained Israel in the wilderness to bdellium, highlighting its color and sheen. These two verses frame the substance within both paradise and pilgrimage, abundance and need.

Physical Description and Possible Identification

Ancient writers equated bdellium with either a translucent resin exuded by trees of the Commiphora family or a pearlescent gemstone akin to crystal. Both identifications share qualities of whiteness, luster, and rarity. Resinous bdellium was valued in trade for its fragrance and medicinal use; gem-like bdellium was prized for decorative beauty. Scripture’s focus on appearance—“pure” (Genesis 2:12) and “like gum resin” (Numbers 11:7)—supports either possibility, emphasizing purity and brilliance rather than commercial classification.

Biblical Geography and Historical Context

The river-fed realm of Havilah (Genesis 2:11-12) marks the original locale. Its mention beside gold and onyx suggests a region abounding in God-given resources, a land designed for blessing. Centuries later, Israel encounters bdellium only in simile, not substance. Wilderness manna “resembling coriander seed and having the appearance of gum resin” (Numbers 11:7) reminds the reader that what Adam once enjoyed freely, Israel now sees only by comparison. The contrast underlines humanity’s exile from Eden and the gracious yet provisional nature of wilderness provisions.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Provision: The manna-bdellium comparison elevates an otherwise plain food to the status of a rare treasure, reinforcing that daily bread from God is as precious as Eden’s riches (Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:19).
2. Lost Glory, Promised Restoration: Genesis 2 foreshadows Revelation 21-22, where radiant stones and streets of gold return in the New Jerusalem. Bdellium’s brightness hints at that consummated glory.
3. Typology of Christ: Jesus identifies Himself as the true manna (John 6:32-35). As bdellium’s brilliance clothed the wilderness bread, Christ’s glory is veiled in humble flesh yet revealed to eyes of faith (John 1:14).

Ministry Applications

• Contentment and Worship: Believers can teach that the ordinary (manna, daily needs) is made extraordinary by God’s presence and purpose.
• Evangelism and Apologetics: The literary thread from Eden to Exodus to the Gospels demonstrates Scripture’s unity, supporting confidence in biblical reliability.
• Discipleship: Bdellium invites reflection on stewardship; just as Eden’s resources were for Adam’s care, today’s resources are entrusted for Kingdom work (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Related Passages and Intertextual Connections

Exodus 16:31 – description of manna’s taste reinforces its uniqueness.

Psalm 78:24-25 – manna called “grain of heaven,” underscoring divine origin.

Revelation 2:17 – promise of “hidden manna” parallels Numbers 11:7 and anticipates final reward.

Revelation 21:18-21 – radiant stones and transparent streets echo Genesis 2’s listing of precious materials, among them bdellium’s counterparts.

Summary

Bdellium bridges Eden’s abundance and the wilderness journey, symbolizing purity, rarity, and divine generosity. Whether a shimmering resin or a gleaming stone, its biblical portrait directs attention from the goodness of creation, through the trials of pilgrimage, to the splendor of ultimate restoration in Christ.

הַבְּדֹ֖לַח הַבְּדֹֽלַח׃ הבדלח הבדלח׃ hab·bə·ḏō·laḥ habbeDolach habbəḏōlaḥInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts