Lapis Lazuli — The Biblical “Blue Stone of the Throne” and Its Meaning

Lapis lazuli is an ancient stone treasured for its deep blue color and rich biblical associations.

For centuries, this stone has been connected to divine presence, scripture, and spiritual reflection.

In this post, we explore what the Bible reveals about lapis lazuli and why it continues to be meaningful today. (Scroll down to learn how this connects to a modern remembrance piece we offer.)

One of the clearest and most striking biblical moments connected to this stone appears in the book of Exodus.

After the sealing of the covenant, Moses and the elders of Israel ascended Mount Sinai, and there they saw God. It is difficult to imagine what such an encounter would have felt like—beholding the Lord of Creation with human eyes—but Scripture does not treat the moment lightly or vaguely.

The scene is described with striking clarity in Exodus, chapter 24, including a rare and specific detail about what lay beneath God’s feet.

as bright blue as the sky. —Exodus 24:10 (NIV)

Often called “the stone of the sky” for its brilliant azure hue, lapis lazuli has long been admired and prized, from ancient civilizations to modern-day jewelry designers.  

In Scripture, Lapis Lazuli appears in both the Garden of Eden and the throne of heaven — a reminder of God’s beauty from the beginning of creation to the promises of eternity, like a piece of heaven in your hand.

Ezekiel 28:13 KJV

Ezekiel 28:13 NIV

As I dug deeper, I learned many modern biblical scholars believe that the Bible were referencing lapis lazuli rather than sapphire.

The source of the variance seems to stem from the translations of the Hebrew word Sapir being incorrectly assigned to sapphire. When at the time, Sapir* was used to describe the mineral lazurite**, whether pure (Lazurite) or aggregate (Lapis Lazuli). If you share my fascination with linguistics, scroll down to the bottom for more specifics in the footnotes. 

As I researched, I learned that many scholars theorize that the Ten Commandments were made of lapis lazuli. Why? In the earlier excerpt from Exodus 24:10, some scholars speculate that the blue pavement under God's feet is part of His heavenly throne. Later, in verse 12, God tells Moses to "Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction." Because the only stone mentioned in the verses is the blue stone under God's feet, scholars theorize that this is what God used to create the ten commandments.

I love imagining it that way.  

The connection between God and the color blue continues in Numbers 15:38-39.  Here, God tells Moses to instruct his people to:

…make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.  You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord…—Numbers 15:38-39.

Scholars believe the blue cord is a direct reference to the blue stone of the Ten Commandments.

For me, Lapis Lazuli and the deep blue color is now eternally linked to God’s instruction. 🙏💕

The Bible is filled with so much detail that it is easy to overlook key details as we read for understanding. If you’re like me, going back and re-reading the passages to paint a mental picture of biblical scenes with rich details allows the Bible to come to life, and can help you feel more connected to the story.

As you reflect on these scriptures and the deep blue hue of lapis lazuli, consider how physical reminders — whether worn, gifted, or held — can help anchor your faith throughout the day. Just as ancient believers saw symbolism and presence in precious stones, today we too can pause and recall God’s faithfulness and instruction. 

Over time, this biblical symbolism inspired a physical reminder—one that many of you have asked to see again. 

NOW BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! The Lapis Lazuli—Blue Stone of the Throne Bracelet was a past Bracelet of the Month, but we received so many requests for it, we've brought it back!

Explore the Lapis Lazuli 'Blue Stone of the Throne' Bracelet or continue on to see the full Lapis Lazuli Collection.

If you would like to join our VIP list for Our Small Batch, Limited Edition Bracelet of the Month, please sign up at the bottom of this blog post.  

Additional Biblical References to Lapis Lazuli

Additional Biblical References to Lapis Lazuli and the “Blue Stone of the Throne”:
Throughout Scripture, lapis lazuli (often translated as sapphire in older versions) appears in passages closely connected to God’s presence, holiness, beauty, and even Eden itself. Together, these references deepen the meaning of lapis lazuli as a reminder of heaven, covenant, and divine splendor.

1. Lapis lazuli appears beneath God’s feet during the covenant encounter on Mount Sinai, symbolizing heaven and divine presence.
   — Exodus 24:9–11

2. God’s throne is described as having the appearance of lapis lazuli, reinforcing the stone’s connection to heavenly authority and holiness.
   — Ezekiel 1:26

3. In a description of Eden, precious stones are named as part of the beauty God placed within the garden, reflecting abundance and divine intention.
   — Genesis 2:11–12

4. Eden is later described as adorned with every precious stone, including lapis lazuli, linking the stone to humanity’s original dwelling place with God.
   — Ezekiel 28:13 (NIV)

5. The Beloved is described as radiant and precious, with imagery that includes lapis lazuli, reflecting beauty, splendor, and worth.
   — Song of Solomon 5:14

6. In a vision of restoration, God describes foundations laid with lapis lazuli, symbolizing permanence, beauty, and divine promise.
   — Isaiah 54:11

7. Heaven itself is described with foundations adorned with precious stones, echoing the deep blue imagery associated with God’s dwelling place.
   — Revelation 21:19–20

Together, these passages help frame lapis lazuli as more than a beautiful stone—it becomes a quiet reminder of heaven’s nearness, God’s faithfulness, and the sacred moments where heaven and earth meet.

*Sapir is derived from the Greek word Sapphirus.  The ancient Greeks and Romans used the term Sapphirus “blue stone” to refer to the Lapis Lazuli stone.  During biblical times, the Hebrews used the term Sapir to describe lazurite. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that this rock became known as lapis - lazuli—Latin for blue stone and derived from the word lazhumet, the ancient Persian word for blue. 

**Today jewelers reserve term lazurite for pure glassy crystal and the term lapis lazuli for opaque aggregate rock.

If you found this interesting, you may also like our posts in our Stones of the Bible Series: God , Our Rock, Jesus, Our Cornerstone and The Heart of David: Empowering You to Face Life's Goliaths.

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