נֹפֶךְ
𐤍𐤐𐤊
nôphek
H5306 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A precious stone mentioned in biblical texts, likely characterized by brilliance or lustrous appearance, but the precise identification is uncertain. In the Tanakh, it consistently refers to a gemstone used in ceremonial or high-status contexts, such as in the priestly breastpiece or in lists of valuable items.
Semantic Range
a precious stone, gemstone in priestly breastpiece, precious item in lists of luxury, specifically a stone distinguished by its shining or brilliant quality
Root / Etymology
Root is uncertain; Strong's suggested unused root meaning 'to glisten' is speculative. The form and usage point to an association with something that shines or is lustrous, likely on phonetic grounds, but a precise etymological derivation cannot be determined from extant Hebrew roots.
Historical & Contextual Notes
'Nôphek' appears several times in contexts describing the ceremonial attire of high priests (Exod 28:18; 39:11) and in lists symbolizing opulence (Ezekiel 28:13), always in catalogues of precious stones. Its actual appearance or mineralogical identity remains uncertain: possible candidates proposed by ancient translators and modern scholars include emerald, carbuncle, garnet, or another vibrant gemstone. LXX renders it as ἄνθραξ (carbuncle), and Vulgate as 'carbunculus'; both point to red or fiery stones, differing from later traditions that associate it with green stones like emerald. English translations vary considerably. No later Jewish tradition or postbiblical Hebrew securely identifies the stone. Importantly, the term does not refer to an ethnic group, royal house, or territory, but solely to a precious gem. Its usage is restricted to the priestly contexts and poetic lists of luxury, and it does not seem to develop broader metaphorical use over time. Modern identification is speculative, as ancient gem nomenclature seldom matches modern gemological distinctions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to glisten; shining; a gem, probably the garnet; emerald.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נפך (uncertain) (n-p-k (uncertain)) — to shine, to glisten, be lustrous
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5306-02 |
נֹ֥פֶךְ | nofekhe | HNcmsa |
emerald | lustrous gemstone | 3 |
H5306-01 |
בְּ֠/נֹפֶךְ | benofekhe | HR/Ncmsa |
with emeralds | in a lustrous gemstone | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5306-02 |
Exodus 28:18 | נֹ֥פֶךְ | nofekhe | HNcmsa |
emerald | lustrous gemstone |
H5306-02 |
Exodus 39:11 | נֹ֥פֶךְ | nofekhe | HNcmsa |
emerald | lustrous gemstone |
H5306-01 |
Ezekiel 27:16 | בְּ֠/נֹפֶךְ | benofekhe | HR/Ncmsa |
with emeralds | in a lustrous gemstone |
H5306-02 |
Ezekiel 28:13 | נֹ֔פֶךְ | nofekhe | HNcmsa |
emerald | lustrous gemstone |