Bible Dictionary
Amber
Amber in Ezekiel probably refers to electrum, a bright metal alloy of gold and silver, rather than the fossil resin called amber today. It appears in descriptions of radiant heavenly visions.
Definition
Amber in Ezekiel refers probably to electrum, a bright metal compounded of gold and silver, rather than to the fossil resin now called amber. Some render the term “polished brass” or “fine brass.” The Hebrew word occurs in Ezekiel’s descriptions of radiant visions.
Biblical Usage
Amber appears in Ezekiel in descriptions of the brilliant appearance associated with prophetic visions. It is mentioned in connection with the radiant forms seen by the prophet.
Historical Background
The Hebrew term is rendered by the Greek word elektron and the Latin electrum. The supplied material distinguishes this biblical metal from amber, the gummy fossil resin of vegetable origin.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Ezek. 1:4, 27; 8:2. Heb., hashmal, rendered by the LXX. elektron, and by the Vulgate electrum), a metal compounded of silver and gold. Some translate the word by “polished brass,” others “fine brass,” as in Rev. 1:15; 2:18. It was probably the mixture now called electrum. The word has no connection, however, with what is now called amber, which is a gummy substance, reckoned as belonging to the mineral kingdom though of vegetable origin, a fossil resin.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. chasmal) occurs only in (Ezekiel 1:4,27; 8:2) It is usually supposed that the Hebrew word chasmal (denotes a metal) and not the fossil resin called amber .
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>am'-ber. See STONES, PRECIOUS.</p>