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אֹדֶם

𐤀𐤃𐤌

ʼôdem

H124 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אדם to be red, to show redness, to be ruddy

Definition

A precious stone of deep red color, most likely referring to a red gem such as a ruby, garnet, or carnelian. In the Hebrew Bible, 'odem' is used specifically as the name of the first stone set in the breastpiece (ḥoshen) of the high priest, representing one of the Israelite tribes. The term emphasizes the stone's striking red color rather than specifying a precise mineralogical identification, as the ancient terminology did not always correspond to modern gemological categories.

Semantic Range

red gemstone, precious stone with red coloration, sardius, ruby, carnelian, garnet

Root / Etymology

From the root אדם (ʼadam), meaning 'to be red, ruddy, to show blood (in the face).' 'Odem' is a derivative noun that refers to something characterized by redness, in this case, a gemstone notable for its red hue.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term אֹדֶם appears only in priestly contexts in the Hebrew Bible (notably Exodus 28:17; 39:10; Ezekiel 28:13). It always refers to a particular gemstone in the high priest’s breastpiece, specifically associated with the tribe of Reuben in later interpretive tradition. Ancient translations (Septuagint, Vulgate) rendered 'odem' variously as sardius, ruby, or carbuncle, reflecting historical uncertainty about the precise mineral. The Hebrew term focuses on the coloration rather than mineral classification, unlike modern usage. Later English versions have rendered it as 'sardius' or 'ruby,' but these terms may not fully capture the ancient referent. The use of 'odem' in priestly ornamentation underscores its value and prominence in cultic settings. There is no evidence it referred to personal names or other objects outside of gemological use.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from אָדַם; redness, i.e. the ruby, garnet, or some other red gem; sardius.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אדם (ʾ-d-m) — to be red, to show redness, to be ruddy

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1157 בְּעַד in the human being
H119 אָדַם they became red
H120 אָדָם human being
H121 אָדָם Adam
H122 אָדֹם reddish

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H124-01 אֹ֤דֶם odem HNcmsa a sardius red gemstone 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H124-01 Exodus 28:17 אֹ֤דֶם odem HNcmsa a sardius red gemstone
H124-01 Exodus 39:10 אֹ֤דֶם odem HNcmsa a sardius red gemstone
H124-01 Ezekiel 28:13 אֹ֣דֶם odem HNcmsa ruby red gemstone
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