Crystals have gained popularity for their purported healing properties, but what does the Bible say about them? Join us as we examine Bible verses and consider their perspective on the use of crystals and other natural elements for spiritual or therapeutic purposes.
What Does the Bible Say About Crystals?
The Bible does not specifically mention the use of crystals or gemstones in a spiritual or religious context. While the Bible does refer to gemstones in the settings of the high priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28:17-20) and the foundations of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19-20), it is important to note that these references are primarily descriptive rather than prescriptive.
As followers of Christ, it is crucial to discern the potential implications of using crystals in our spiritual practices. While appreciating the natural beauty of crystals is not inherently wrong, it’s important to remember that our faith should be grounded in the truth of God’s Word and not reliant on objects or practices outside of biblical teachings.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, the apostle Paul writes about the importance of considering the impact of our actions on both ourselves and others. Therefore, if using crystals becomes a stumbling block for others or if it leads to placing more trust in the crystals than in God, it may be wise to reconsider their place in our spiritual lives.
Ultimately, our focus should be on seeking first the kingdom of God and aligning our hearts with His will (Matthew 6:33), allowing His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to shape our beliefs and practices.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Pets
Bible Verses About Crystals
Exodus 28:17
“And you shall set in it four rows of stones. The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald.”
This verse is part of the instructions given to Moses for creating the breastpiece of judgment for the high priest. It mentions the use of different stones, including crystals, in the intricate design of the breastpiece.
Revelation 21:11
“Having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.”
This verse describes the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, and its glorious appearance. It highlights the radiant beauty of the city, comparing it to a rare jewel, specifically mentioning a jasper that is clear as crystal.
1 Kings 7:9
“All these were made of costly stones, cut according to measure, sawed with saws, back and front, even from the foundation to the coping, and from the outside to the great court.”
This verse refers to the construction of Solomon’s temple and describes the use of costly stones. While not explicitly mentioning crystals, it suggests the use of precious and beautiful materials in the temple’s architecture.
2 Chronicles 3:6
“He adorned the house with settings of precious stones. The gold was gold from Parvaim.”
In this verse, King Solomon adorns the temple with settings of precious stones. Although crystals are not specifically mentioned, the use of precious stones adds to the theme of beauty and magnificence in the temple.
Isaiah 54:12
“I will make your pinnacles of agate, your gates of carbuncles, and all your wall of precious stones.”
Isaiah prophesies about the future restoration and glory of Jerusalem. He describes how the city will be adorned with precious stones, including agate and carbuncles, highlighting its splendor and beauty.
Ezekiel 28:13
“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: the sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.”
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel describes the beauty and splendor of the fallen angel, Satan. He enumerates the precious stones that covered him, including crystals like the sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. This imagery paints a picture of extravagant beauty.
Psalms 115:4-7
“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.”
These verses express the futility and emptiness of idols made by human hands. While not specifically mentioning crystals, it emphasizes that these man-made idols lack life and divine attributes, highlighting the importance of worshiping the true living God.
Revelation 4:6
“And before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind.”
This verse depicts the scene before the heavenly throne. It compares the expanse in front of the throne to a sea of glass, like crystal. The imagery conveys the purity and clarity of the divine presence, setting the stage for the divine beings surrounding the throne.
Job 28:17
“Gold or glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.”
Job speaks of the value of wisdom and understanding, stating that they are more precious than gold or glass. While not specifically mentioning crystals, this verse highlights the immeasurable worth of spiritual insight and discernment in relation to material wealth.
Revelation 22:1
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”
This verse introduces the imagery of the river of the water of life in the celestial city. It describes this river as bright as crystal, symbolizing its purity and life-giving nature. The crystal imagery emphasizes the beauty and perfection of God’s provision in the new heaven and earth.
1 Corinthians 3:12
“Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw…”
This verse is part of Paul’s analogy of building on the foundation of Jesus Christ. He compares the quality of believers’ works to different materials, such as gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw. While not specifically mentioning crystals, it highlights the importance of building our lives and works with enduring and valuable materials.
Revelation 15:2
“And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.”
John describes a vision of those who had overcome the persecutions of the beast, standing beside a sea of glass mingled with fire. This image signifies purity and victory. It presents a picture of victorious believers worshiping and praising God, alluding to the ultimate triumph of God’s people over evil.
Revelation 21:18-19
“The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald…”
These verses describe the magnificence of the New Jerusalem. It portrays not only the city’s foundation and walls adorned with various precious stones, including jasper, sapphire, agate, emerald, but also the use of pure gold that resembles clear glass. This imagery captures the splendor and glory of the heavenly city.
Exodus 39:13
“And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold filigree.”
This verse signifies the completion of the high priest’s breastpiece, reporting the stones of the fourth row, which include a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. While not directly mentioning crystals, it emphasizes their use in the sacred garments and highlights the attention to detail in the priestly attire.
1 Peter 2:6
“For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'”
This verse quotes the Old Testament prophesy from Isaiah 28:16, referring to Jesus as the precious cornerstone laid in Zion. It highlights the significance and uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the foundation of faith. The mention of a chosen and precious stone reinforces the theme of God’s intentional selection and value.
Ezekiel 1:22
“Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal, spread out above their heads.”
In this vision, the prophet Ezekiel witnesses a captivating scene with heavenly creatures and an expanse that shines like awe-inspiring crystal. The brilliance and grandeur of crystal-like glory manifest the majesty and transcendence of God. This imagery invites awe and reverence.
Revelation 21:19
“The fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.”
These verses continue the description of the precious stones adorning the foundations of the New Jerusalem’s walls. It mentions a variety of stones, including chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst. This vivid imagery enhances the sense of beauty and riches in the kingdom of God.
Revelation 4:3
“And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.”
This verse portrays a vision of the heavenly realm, with the one seated on the throne appearing like jasper and carnelian. It depicts the dazzling radiance surrounding the throne, resembling an emerald rainbow. This imagery signifies the divine glory and beauty that encompasses the eternal dwelling place of God.
Revelation 21:11-12
“Having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed.”
These verses further illustrate the glorious appearance of the New Jerusalem, emphasizing its radiance and purity. It also mentions the presence of twelve gates, with each gate guarded by an angel and bearing the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This imagery symbolizes unity and inclusion in the heavenly city.
Job 37:18
“Can you, like him, spread out the skies, hard as a cast metal mirror?”
Job poses a rhetorical question regarding the wonders and mysteries of creation, asking whether anyone can spread out the skies like God. While not specifically mentioning crystals, the description of a hard, cast metal mirror highlights the expanse and solidity of the firmament, reminding us of God’s mastery and creative power in the heavens.
Revelation 21:21
“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”
These verses depict the gates of the New Jerusalem as twelve pearls, each gate made from a single pearl. It also mentions the street of the city being made of pure gold, resembling transparent glass. These images convey the preciousness and splendor of the heavenly city, showcasing the abundant blessings and divine provision in the eternal dwelling place of God.
1 Samuel 2:9
“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.”
This verse speaks of God’s faithfulness in protecting and guiding those who are loyal and righteous. It conveys the idea that true success and victory do not come from one’s own strength, but from trusting in God. While not directly mentioning crystals, it highlights the importance of relying on God rather than our own power.
Throughout the Bible, crystals are mentioned in various contexts, such as in descriptions of the heavenly city, the adornment of the temple, and symbolic imagery of beauty, purity, and value. While the focus is not primarily on crystals themselves, their presence in these verses highlights the significance of beauty, splendor, and divine craftsmanship in connection with worship and God’s glory.
The use of crystals in the construction of sacred spaces, such as the temple, symbolizes the honor and reverence given to the divine presence. It emphasizes the importance of offering our best to God and seeking His beauty and perfection.
Additionally, the descriptions of crystal-clear rivers, seas, and expanse portray the purity and clarity of God’s provision and presence. They symbolize the life-giving nature of God’s abundance and the refreshment that comes from experiencing His presence.
Overall, these verses remind believers of the importance of worshiping the true living God and seeking His beauty and perfection, both in material things and in our spiritual lives. They encourage us to offer our best to God, to seek His wisdom and discernment, and to trust in His provision and guidance. They also point to the ultimate beauty and splendor of the heavenly city, where believers will dwell in the presence of God for eternity.