Sappir refers to a brilliant blue precious stone — most likely lapis lazuli in ancient contexts, though later associated with what we now call sapphire. It appears 11 times in the OT and is consistently associated with the divine realm, heavenly visions, and supreme value.
In Exodus 24:10, the pavement beneath God's feet on Sinai is compared to sappir — a clear blue like the sky itself, connecting this gem with the heavenly throne. In Ezekiel's great vision (1:26), the throne-chariot bears a 'throne of sapphire' from which God speaks. The New Jerusalem's foundations include sapphire (Isaiah 54:11), and it appears in the high priest's breastpiece. The word teaches that heaven's beauty exceeds anything on earth, and God's dwelling place is characterized by radiant, costly splendor. Creation's finest materials only faintly echo divine glory.