Breastplate of Aaron
Alternate Chart

The Hoshen or Breastplate of Aaron was an item worn by early Jewish high priests during ceremonies. Details of its construction are given in the Hebrew religious text the Book of Exodus.

It was said to have been made of gold and had twelve stones arranged in four rows of three, each stone had the name of one of the tribes of Israel engraved upon it. Though there is some dispute on the original stones this chart is based on the most commonly accepted list and configuration.

This proposed version of the Breastplate of Aaron is based on direct translations of Hebrew names of the gems, which were then cross referenced with stones available in the region at the time.

Hebrew: Odem
Meaning: Red Flesh
Stone: Carnelian 		Hebrew: Pitdah
Meaning: Golden Stone
Stone: Topaz 		Hebrew: Barekath
Meaning: Green Flash
Stone: Emerald
Hebrew: Nophek
Meaning: Red Fire Stone: Garnet 		Hebrew: Sappir
Meaning: Blue Sky
Stone: Lapis Lazuli 		Hebrew: Yahalom
Meaning: Hard Stone
Stone: Jade
Hebrew: Leshem
Meaning: Honeyed
Stone: Amber 		Hebrew: Shebu
Meaning: Precious Stone
Stone: Agate 		Hebrew: Ahlamah
Meaning: Wine Colored
Stone: Amethyst
Hebrew: Tarshish
Meaning: Golden Lightning
Stone: Citrine 		Hebrew: Shoham
Meaning: Veined Stone
Stone: Turquoise 		Hebrew: Yash'pheh
Meaning: Polished Stone
Stone: Jasper

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