Sapphires are mentioned twelve times in the Holy Bible. As such, a blue sapphire in the Bible stands for a sign of royalty, a symbol of God’s glory, and a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
Sapphire is a precious gemstone known for its vibrant blue color.
Although it can occur in various hues, including yellow, pink, purple, green, and colorless, blue sapphire is the most famous and coveted.
In addition to its aesthetic value, sapphire has spiritual and symbolic significance in the Bible.
It is associated with different biblical symbols related to divinity, royalty, and other virtues, like wisdom, purity, royalty, etc.
Sapphire reoccurs in many passages of the Bible.
This shows its relevance and spiritual significance.
This article will help expand on its biblical meaning.
Sapphire Meanings in the Bible:
It represents priesthood
“The second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond.” (Exodus 28:18)
Sapphire is one of the stones in the high priest’s breastplate, a part of the spiritual regalia of worship and service for priests.
Having sapphire on the breastplate is a sign that God cherishes the precious stone and recognizes it as a symbol of purity.
Priesthood is specially reserved for a particular set of people.
They are chosen and sanctified by God for His service, as clearly stated in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
This presents sapphire as a precious stone that stands out amongst many. It is selected and purified for divine and sacred purposes.
A sign of royalty
“And they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity.” (Exodus 24:10)
Blue generally represents royalty.
It’s a color used by kings, queens, and nobles.
This reality makes it expensive and unique. Sapphire is blue and has a prominent presence in royal regalia, pieces of jewelry, etc.
However, it appears that earthly kings derive inspiration to use sapphire from God, the King of kings.
The Bible records that sapphire stone is paved under God’s feet.
This paints a picture of God stepping on sapphire or the precious stone appearing around His throne (Ezekiel 1:26).
The connection between sapphires and royalty dates back to ancient.
Wearing sapphires was thought to give protection, knowledge, and divine favor, making them highly sought after by monarchs and nobility.
As a symbol of their heightened position, sapphires were frequently included in royal jewelry, crowns, and regalia.
A symbol of God’s glory
“And I looked, and there in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim, there appeared something like a sapphire stone, having the appearance of the likeness of a throne.” (Ezekiel 10:1)
Sapphire represents God’s glory.
It also symbolizes angelic presence.
Ezekiel 10:1 shows that the halo surrounding the head of cherubim, a celestial winged with human, animal, or birdlike characteristics, is made of sapphire.
These creatures function as the throne bearers of God.
Cherubim are ranked among the higher orders of angels who attend directly to God.
They are always in God’s presence day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8).
Their closeness to God allows them to behold His glory and majesty.
These creatures represent God’s incredible power and majesty.
Therefore, having sapphire on them shows that the precious stone has deep spiritual significance in heaven and earth.
Abundant prosperity/treasures
“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. Gold work of tambourines and of pipes was in you. In the day that you were created they were prepared.” (Ezekiel 28:13)
The Garden of Eden was a special place created by God and blessed to flourish with all the good things of life. Fruits, animals, and natural resources are abundant in the Garden of Eden.
This makes the Garden a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
One of the precious natural deposits in the Garden is the sapphire stone.
Sapphire featured here proves that God specially created it as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, which is why it is rare and only possessed by rich and wealthy people.
Seeing a sapphire or owning one signifies prosperity and great financial blessings.
Heaven
“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald.” (Revelation 21:19)
A sapphire stone is a representation of heaven.
Heaven is the most glorious place ever created because it’s God’s dwelling place.
It is adorned with varieties of precious stones, of which sapphire is a part.
However, lots of people focus on gold alone. But Revelation 21:19 proves that sapphire is a core component of this majestic place.
It is used for the second level of heaven’s foundation, showing that the entire heaven’s structure rests on the strength of the sapphire.
As such, sapphire is a precious stone of heavenly origin.
It is specially carved and designed in heaven to serve as a pillar of support for the most magnificent place, God’s abode.
Beauty
Sapphire also represents beauty.
It is used by the royals and nobles to adorn themselves.
Its beauty and rarity are often associated with preciousness and value.
It makes their beauty stand out and positions them as society’s cream de la cream.
It projects class and sophistication, placing those that wear it on their necks, fingers, or garments in a class of their own.
Wisdom
Sapphires are believed to possess spiritual qualities associated with wisdom and knowledge.
The deep blue color of sapphires is seen as reminiscent of the heavens, symbolizing divine wisdom and truth.
It is also regarded as a stone of spiritual insight and enlightenment that enhances mental clarity, focus, and intuition, aiding in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
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Bulgarea Anca is a devout Christian and the founder of Bible Wings, a comprehensive resource for Christians seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of the Bible. Raised within the Christian faith, Bulgarea Anca’s spirituality was nourished by her grandparents, who were cantors in their local church. Her Christian upbringing was further solidified by her education at a Christian school. Today, she uses her in-depth knowledge of the scripture to provide insightful and meaningful content through Bible Wings.