אֶקְדָּח
𐤀𐤒𐤃𐤇
ʼeqdâch
H688 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A precious stone characterized by a fiery or glowing appearance; likely a red gemstone, such as a carbuncle, garnet, or similar mineral, noted for its deep color and brilliance in ancient contexts. In biblical usage, refers specifically to a red or fiery-colored gemstone set in high priestly regalia or used for ornamental purposes.
Semantic Range
fiery precious stone, gemstone with glowing or burning appearance, red or brilliant gem, carbuncle, garnet, ruby (in later sources)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root קדה (q-d-h), meaning 'to burn, to kindle'. The noun derives from the sense of burning or fiery appearance, describing a gemstone with a blazing or red color. The precise identification of the stone is uncertain; it is traditionally rendered as 'carbuncle,' though it may denote any brilliant, fiery gemstone.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Occurrences of אֶקְדָּח (ʼeqdâch) are rare and contextually associated with descriptions of precious stones, particularly in priestly or symbolic contexts (e.g., the high priest's breastplate). The selection of English equivalents, such as 'carbuncle,' reflects an attempt to match the vivid, fiery description rather than technical mineralogy; the exact mineral referenced in biblical times is uncertain. Later rabbinic and translation traditions sometimes render the term differently (e.g., garnet, ruby), influenced by changes in gemological terminology. The use of 'carbuncle' in English Bibles is more tradition than precise equivalence. The word appears in post-exilic or exilic passages that emphasize the splendor of Jerusalem or the priesthood.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from קִדָּה; burning, i.e. a carbuncle or other fiery gem; carbuncle.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קדה (q-d-h) — to burn, kindle, ignite
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H688-01 |
אֶקְדָּ֑ח | eqedach | HNcmsa |
carbuncles | fiery gemstone | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H688-01 |
Isaiah 54:12 | אֶקְדָּ֑ח | eqedach | HNcmsa |
carbuncles | fiery gemstone |