The stone SPYR is usually translated into English as sapphire,
and even during Mishnaic times the stone in the Ephod was explained
to be a blue precious stone due to its similarity to the Greek word for
blue.
Although the precise blue stone intended there and in the Song of Songs
may be unknown (many think lapis lazuli was intended),
there seems to be a different SPYR as well.
In Exodus 24:10 we find the expression LBNT HSPYR.
The classical commentators are split as to the meaning of LBNT.
Some interpret it as from LBN = white, while others say it comes from
LBNH = brick.
Neither of these fits a blue precious gem.
Similarly, Ezekiel 10:1 has a SPYR stone the size of a throne,
while Lamentations 4:7 uses SPYR in a context of white things
(depending on the reading of (DMU )
I am wondering whether from these uses we can deduce that
in addition to the regular precious stone, we have some bright
white/blue stone such as marble. In fact, polished white marble
with blue lines could be a candidate.
I am asking this because I believe that such an understanding
could clear up an obscure Talmudic passage.
Yaakov (J) Stein
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