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אַחְלָמָה

𐤀𐤇𐤋𐤌𐤄

ʼachlâmâh

H306 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain uncertain; possibly related to 'dream' (חָלַם), but more likely simply 'precious stone'

Definition

A precious stone mentioned among the twelve gemstones in the high priest's breastpiece (hoshen), probably referencing a type of quartz crystal, with later tradition identifying it as 'amethyst.' The word designates a gemstone of notable value and beauty, the precise identification of which is uncertain.

Semantic Range

precious stone, gemstone, possibly amethyst or quartz, one of the twelve stones in the priestly breastpiece

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain; possibly connected to חָלַם (ḥ-l-m), 'to dream,' though this is speculative and not supported by direct semantic evidence. The formation suggests a gem-name, but its specific derivation is unclear and etymology should be considered uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אַחְלָמָה appears in the description of the breastpiece of the high priest (Exod 28:19; 39:12) and in Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim (Ezek 28:13). In these passages, it is listed among other valuable stones, suggesting status as an esteemed gemstone. The Septuagint translates the term as ἀμέθυστος (amethyst), leading to the common identification as 'amethyst' in English Bibles and historical tradition. However, the exact mineral meant by the biblical text is uncertain, as ancient gem terminology and classifications differ significantly from modern mineralogy; some propose purple quartz, others suggest crystal or other colored stones. The association with dreams (from חָלַם, 'to dream') arose from later interpretive tradition and Rabbinic speculation, likely influenced by folk etymology rather than concrete historical usage. The use of the term is confined to priestly or visionary contexts where identification with Israelite cultic ritual artifacts and cosmic symbolism is significant.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

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

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

uncertain (uncertain) — precious stone, gemstone (etymology uncertain)

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1085 בִּלְדַּד Bildad
H1095 בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר Belteshatsar
H1114 בִּלְשָׁן Bilshan
H1150 בִּנְעָא Bin'a
H116 אֱדַיִן and then

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H306-01 וְ/אַחְלָֽמָה veachelamah HC/Ncfsa and an amethyst precious gemstone 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H306-01 Exodus 28:19 וְ/אַחְלָֽמָה veachelamah HC/Ncfsa and-an-amethyst precious gemstone
H306-01 Exodus 39:12 וְ/אַחְלָֽמָה veachelamah HC/Ncfsa and an amethyst precious gemstone
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