Bible Dictionaries
Facets

Holman Bible Dictionary

NRSV, TEV translation of the Hebrew ayinim , meaning small plane surfaces, especially those on a cut gem (Zechariah 3:9 ). The basic idea of the Hebrew ayin , as reflected in most English versions, is eye. By extension the root can designate a face or surface, hence the translation facet. Some commentators understand the Hebrew root to mean springs of water (compare Genesis 16:7 ). The translation “eyes” points ahead to “the seven eyes of God which roam throughout the world” (Genesis 4:10 ), a symbol of the omniscience or omnipresence of God. The translation “springs” fits well with the idea of the removal of iniquity (Genesis 3:9 ). The eschatological spring or stream is well known in visions of the Temple (Joel 3:18; Ezekiel 47:1; Zechariah 13:1; Zechariah 14:8 ). Zechariah 3:9 , however, uses the masculine plural form rather than the feminine form used in other references to springs. Perhaps the masculine form is an Aramaism. Some scholars believe the stone was a stone slab occupying the place held by the ark of the covenant in the first Temple. In this case the seven eyes represent the full presence of God in a way corresponding to the ark of the covenant.