Birthstones are gemstones that correspond to a person’s birth month. They have been used for thousands of years to bring good fortune, healing, and spiritual benefits. Many people wonder if there is any true spiritual meaning or significance behind birthstones according to the Bible.
The Bible does not specifically mention birthstones or assign special meanings to different gemstones. However, it does contain some references to precious and semi-precious stones that give insight into how they were viewed and used in Biblical times.
Stones in the Bible
In the Old Testament, stones were used symbolically and ornamentally. Exodus 28 describes the ephod worn by the high priest which contained four rows of gemstones—ruby, topaz, emerald, turquoise, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper. These may have represented the 12 tribes of Israel.
Precious stones like onyx were used decoratively in the furnishings of the tabernacle and temple (1 Chronicles 29:2). The foundation stones of the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:19-20 also contain symbolic meaning.
Specific healing powers were not ascribed to stones in the Bible, but they were seen as precious, beautiful, and valuable. Over time, extra-biblical folklore and legend endowed certain stones with symbolic qualities.
Birthstones in Biblical Times
The concept of birthstones arose from the Breastplate of Aaron worn by the ancient Hebrew high priest. It contained four rows of three gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. This breastplate may have inspired the idea of stones corresponding to the 12 months of the year.
The first century Jewish historian Josephus wrote that the 12 stones in Aaron’s breastplate were associated with the 12 calendar months. But the first definitive lists assigning stones to months did not appear until the early 18th century.
So while birthstones were not specifically mentioned in the Bible, the tradition of correlating stones with time and symbolic meaning was present in Biblical times. The high priest’s breastplate represents an early expression of this instinct to find spiritual meaning in gems.
Are Birthstones Idols?
Some Christians argue that wearing birthstones goes against the Bible’s prohibition of idolatry. They point to verses that warn against mysticism and sorcery associated with crystals:
“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
However, most believers do not actually worship or ascribe supernatural powers to birthstones. They enjoy them as decorative symbols, not idols. Wearing a gemstone representing your birth month is not inherently idolatrous according to the Bible.
As long as birthstones are not believed to have magical, occult, or spiritual effects in themselves, they present no conflict with Scripture. The sin comes not from the stones themselves, but the attitudes and beliefs behind using them.
What the Bible Says About Stones
The Bible contains over 200 references to precious stones. Here are some key points that can guide a Christian view of birthstones:
- God created gemstones and considers them intrinsically valuable (Genesis 2:12).
- Stones are used symbolically to represent God’s people (1 Peter 2:5).
- Stones decorate the heavenly city Jerusalem, reflecting God’s glory (Revelation 21:19-20).
- Followers of God should not ascribe spiritual power to physical objects (Deuteronomy 7:25-26).
- Healing comes from God’s power, not magical stones (Matthew 4:24).
- Focus should be on inward beauty, not outward appearance (1 Peter 3:3-4).
In summary, the Bible does not prohibit wearing birthstones, as long as they are not treated as spiritually powerful amulets. Christians have freedom in cultural traditions like birthstones, but should exercise discernment.
Using Birthstones for Healing
Some believe that birthstones have healing properties for physical or mental ailments corresponding to different body parts. However, the Bible does not attribute any inherent healing powers to crystals or stones. Only God has the power to heal:
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14)
“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” (1 John 2:27)
While God can choose to heal through any means He desires, birthstones do not have magical healing properties according to Scripture. Wearing or using them should be an act of faith in God, not the stones themselves.
Using Birthstones for Guidance
Some believe birthstones can offer spiritual guidance by tuning oneself to the energy of the stone. But the Bible teaches that wisdom and guidance come from the Holy Spirit, not created objects:
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13)
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21)
Praying while holding or wearing a birthstone can focus one’s thoughts on God. But guidance should come from Scripture and the Holy Spirit, not the stone itself.
Using Birthstones for Provision
Some believe that wearing the month’s birthstone helps provide for one’s needs in that month. But the Bible teaches that God is the ultimate provider:
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
While God may bless someone wearing a birthstone, the provision comes from God, not the stone itself. Seeking provision through crystals and charms is not supported in Scripture.
Using Birthstones for Luck
Wearing birthstones is a common cultural tradition for bringing luck, fortune, or general life benefits. However, the Bible speaks against practicing superstitions or believing in luck:
“You shall not practice divination or soothsaying.” (Leviticus 19:26b)
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33)
Luck is not a Biblical concept. Nor can a gemstone influence “fate” or destiny, which are under God’s control. Therefore, wearing a birthstone to get “good luck” goes against Scripture.
Birthstones and Zodiac Signs
Since birthstones are linked to calendar months, some connect them to astrological signs and horoscopes. However, the Bible condemns astrology as a form of fortune-telling:
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity.’” (Jeremiah 10:2-3a)
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. …But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” (Galatians 5:1, 2b, 3)
Christians should avoid connecting birthstones to astrology, horoscopes, or other occult arts that the Bible condemns. Believers have freedom to celebrate birthstones as cultural symbols of God’s creativity.
A Christian Perspective on Birthstones
For Christians who enjoy wearing birthstone jewelry, here are some biblical principles to keep in mind:
- Recognize that God created gemstones and called them good (Genesis 1:31).
- Appreciate the natural beauty of stones as reflective of God’s creativity (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
- Do not see stones as having inherent mystical or spiritual powers in themselves.
- Focus on Scripture and the Holy Spirit for guidance, not stones (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Trust in God’s provision and healing, not “lucky” gemstones (Matthew 6:25-34).
- Take precautions if wearing birthstones becomes spiritually unhealthy (Romans 14:13-23).
- Let wearing birthstones be an act of celebrating what God has given.
Birthstones can be appreciated as culturally meaningful gems representing God’s handiwork. But they should not become objects of spiritual devotion or superstition. According to the principles in Scripture, birthstones can be accepted—but the Lord alone deserves worship.
Examples of Birthstones
Here are examples of common birthstones according to month:
- January – Garnet
- February – Amethyst
- March – Aquamarine
- April – Diamond
- May – Emerald
- June – Pearl, Alexandrite
- July – Ruby
- August – Peridot
- September – Sapphire
- October – Opal, Tourmaline
- November – Topaz, Citrine
- December – Tanzanite, Zircon
These stones represent a spectrum of colors, shapes, and mineral properties that illustrate the abundance of God’s creative genius. As decorative symbols, birthstones can be appreciated in a balanced, biblical way.
Conclusion
The Bible does not directly mention birthstones, but it provides principles to guide a Christian perspective. Birthstones should not be used as good luck charms or ascribed with spiritual powers. However, they can be enjoyed as cultural symbols of natural beauty when viewed rightly with discernment. According to Scripture, birthstones are creatures, not the Creator—gorgeous gems, but not gods. Upholding this distinction allows believers to celebrate the history and meaning of birthstones while keeping focus on God’s glory.