Job 28:16 — Word Study
WLCלֹֽא־ תְ֭סֻלֶּה בְּכֶ֣תֶם אוֹפִ֑יר בְּשֹׁ֖הַם יָקָ֣ר וְסַפִּֽיר׃
BSAIt cannotlôʼ [in no way, not at all] be valuedçâlâh▸ [measured, weighed] in the goldkethem [pure, refined] of OphirʼÔwphîyr [a region in southern Arabia, known for its wealth] in preciousyâqâr [highly valued, costly] onyxshôham [a gemstone, possibly green or blue] or sapphireçappîyr [as an alternative, in addition to, a precious stone, highly prized]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| לֹֽא־ | not | Particle |
| תְ֭סֻלֶּה | it will be paid | Verb, Pual, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| בְּכֶ֣תֶם | in [the] gold of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| אוֹפִ֑יר | Ophir | Noun proper |
| בְּשֹׁ֖הַם | in onyx | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| יָקָ֣ר | precious | Adj |
| וְסַפִּֽיר׃ | and sapphire | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. |
| KJV | It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. |
| ASV | It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, With the precious onyx, or the sapphire. |
| YLT | It is not valued with pure gold of Ophir, With precious onyx and sapphire, |
| WEB | It can’t be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. |
| BBE | It may not be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the onyx of great price, or the sapphire. |
The translations agree that wisdom cannot be valued in material terms.
The structure of the sentence clearly contrasts wisdom with valuable materials, emphasizing its superior worth.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbסָלָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 28:16
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Value of Wisdomgenerated
Job 28:16 is part of a passage that emphasizes the unmatched value of wisdom, stating that it cannot be compared to precious materials like gold or gemstones. This section of Job explores the depths of wisdom and its significance, contrasting it with the material wealth that people often seek. The surrounding verses further illustrate how wisdom is beyond reach through physical means, highlighting its divine origin and importance.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 29:4 | three thousand talents of gold (the gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the buildings, |
| 2 | Psalm 45:9 | The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir. |
| 3 | Isaiah 13:12 | I will make man scarcer than pure gold, and mankind rarer than the gold of Ophir. |
| 4 | Exodus 28:20 | and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 28:13 | You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תְ֭סֻלֶּה, Te.su.lehgenerated
The verb תְ֭סֻלֶּה (Te.su.leh) is in the Pual form, indicating a passive voice. It means to weigh or measure, especially in the context of evaluating worth. This word captures the idea of assessing value, which in this verse relates to wisdom's worth compared to gold and precious stones.
In this context, the use of the verb suggests that wisdom cannot be quantified or valued in the same way as material possessions. It implies that no amount of gold or precious gems can equate to the value of true wisdom.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree that wisdom cannot be valued in material terms.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is תְ֭סֻלֶּה, it will be paid, which governs the entire clause. The structure emphasizes that wisdom cannot be measured against valuable materials, with several prepositional phrases illustrating the comparison.
The sentence builds a clear contrast: wisdom is described as beyond the reach of gold from Ophir, onyx, or sapphire, emphasizing its superior value through the arrangement of phrases.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תְ֭סֻלֶּה as συμβασταξθήσεται, which conveys a sense of weighing or assessing. This choice reflects a similar understanding of the inability to measure wisdom with material wealth.
The Greek term used here aligns with the Hebrew meaning, reinforcing the idea that wisdom's value is not quantifiable in human terms.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 28:16 emphasizes that wisdom cannot be valued like gold from Ophir or precious stones like onyx and sapphire. This verse teaches that true wisdom is far more valuable than material wealth.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that wisdom's worth is far greater than any material possession, and it cannot be quantified like gold or jewels.
Ophir is known for its wealth and fine gold, serving as a benchmark for comparing the value of wisdom.
Onyx and sapphire are both precious stones, highlighting the comparison of wisdom to the most valuable materials.
It underscores the theme that true understanding and wisdom come from God and are more precious than earthly riches.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I value wisdom over material possessions in my life?
- How can I seek wisdom that is beyond what the world offers?
- What examples can I find in my life where wisdom has proven more valuable than wealth?
- How does understanding the value of wisdom change my perspective on success?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentary on this verse highlights the incomparable value of wisdom, as noted by Gregory the Dialogist in his work.
Nor shall it be compared to the dyed colours of India. Nor to the most precious sardonyx stone, nor to the sapphire. For what is meant by India, which furnishes a black people, saving this world,Early Church Fathers on Job 28 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 28:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIt cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir,.... Which is often spoken of in Scripture as choice gold, if not the best; [See comments on Job 22:24]; the sense is, that the gold of Ophir is not of the
Read John Gill on Job 28 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIt cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. Gold of Ophir - the most precious (note, Job 22:24; Psalms 45:9). Onyx - (Genesis 2:12). More valued formerly than now.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 28 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe gold of Ophir was the best sort of gold. See Poole "", See Poole "". Onyx, or sardonyx. See Poole "".
Read Matthew Poole on Job 28 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 28:16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.Ver. 16. It cannot be valued] Heb. Thrown on the ground, as wares were wont to be, and are yet, when they are set to sale, and to be prized or valued. With the gold of Ophir] The word here rendered gold is not the same as that in the former or those in the following verses. Five different times gold is here mentioned (because so highly prized among men), and in four different words. Jerome on Jeremiah 10:1-25 observeth that the Hebrew have seven different words for gold; and five different sorts are here instanced. That here mentioned is a special name for the most resplendent and glistering gold…
Read John Trapp on Job 28 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 16. The gold of Ophir] Gold is five times mentioned in this and verses 17 and 19, and four of the times in different words. I shall consider them all at once. 1. סגור SEGOR, from סגר sagar, to shut up. Gold. in the mine, or shut up in the ore; native gold washed by the streams out of the mountains, c. unwrought gold. Ver. 16. 2. כתם KETHEM, from כתם catham, to sign or stamp: gold made current by being coined, or stamped with its weight or value; what we would call standard or sterling gold. Ver. 17. 3. זהב ZAHAB, from זהב zahab, to be Lear, bright, or resplendent: the untarnishing metal; the only metal that always keeps its lustre. But probably here it means gold chased, or that in…
Read AdamClarke on Job 28 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges16. it cannot be valued] lit. weighed for gold of Ophir. Wisdom is conceived as put in the balance as other articles are that are sold, the price given for it being gold of Ophir. The meaning is, it cannot be purchased for gold of Ophir. The word weighed here differs from that in Job 28:15, though it has the same meaning.
Read Cambridge on Job 28 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe gold of Ophir - Uniformly spoken of as the most precious gold; see the notes at Job 22:24. With the precious onyx - The onyx is a semi-pellucid gem, with variously colored veins or zones. It is a variety of the chalcedony.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 28 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible16. Ophir — See note Job 22:24. The precious onyx — Canon Cook alludes to an Egyptian inscription (in Brugsch) which certainly refers to a period before Moses, in which distinct mention is made of
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 28 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.
It can’t be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.
It cannot be measured out for purchase with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or sapphires.
Tyndale line
It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, With the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
It shall not be valued with the wedge of golde of Ophir, nor with the precious onix, nor the saphir.
Strictly literal
It is not set in the balance with gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, and the sapphire.
It is not valued with pure gold of Ophir, With precious onyx and sapphire,
It is not valued with pure gold of Ophir, || With precious onyx and sapphire,
She cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or sapphire.
From the Latin
It shall not be compared with the dyed colours of India, or with the most precious stone sardonyx, or the sapphire.
Simplified
Its value cannot be measured, even with the gold of Ophir; it is more precious than onyx or lapis lazuli.
It may not be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the onyx of great price, or the sapphire.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with all seven words matching in the Hebrew and Greek texts. This consistency indicates a shared understanding of the text's meaning across these ancient witnesses.
לֹֽא־ תְ֭סֻלֶּה בְּכֶ֣תֶם אוֹפִ֑יר בְּשֹׁ֖הַם יָקָ֣ר וְסַפִּֽיר׃
7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 28:16
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
סָלָה (salá) is a Hebrew verb with meanings related to weighing and rejecting. It can denote making light of something, tossing it aside, or weighing and balancing it. The entries suggest a figurative sense of contempt in some uses, particularly in the Piel form, where it conveys flouting or rejecting. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
[סָלָה] vb. make light of, toss aside
Qal thou dost make light of all those that err from thy statutes.
Pi. intens. Adonay hath flouted at my mighty ones.
base
[סָלָה] vb. weigh, balance;—Pu.
base
H5541a סָלָה make light of, toss aside H5541b סָלָה weigh, balance
5541 calah saw-law'
a primitive root; to hang up, i.e. weigh, or (figuratively)
contemn:--tread down (under foot), value.
סָלָה (sa.lah) — to reject.
1) to make light of, toss aside
1a) (Qal) to make light of
1b) (Piel) to flout, reject
סָלָה (sa.lah) — to weigh.
1) to weigh, balance
1a) (Pual) to be weighed
V-Pual-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Pual · imperfect third person feminine singularHVPi3fs
כֶּ֫תֶם (kethem) refers to gold, specifically pure gold, and is noted as a poetic and late term. It is derived from a root meaning something carved out, indicating ore. The entries consistently emphasize its association with fine or pure gold.
כֶּ֫תֶם n.m. gold, poet. and late
base
H3800 כֶּ֫תֶם gold, poet. and late
3800 kethem keh'-them
from 3799; properly, something carved out, i.e. ore; hence,
gold (pure as originally mined):--((most) fine, pure) gold(-en
wedge).
see HEBREW for 03799
כֶּ֫תֶם (ke.tem) — gold.
gold, pure gold
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
אוֹפִיר (Ophir) refers to both a person and a place. It is the name of Joktan's eleventh son and a region known for its gold, mentioned in the context of Solomon's trade routes. The term may also poetically describe fine gold. The exact derivation is uncertain, and some sources suggest it means 'reducing to ashes'.
אוֹפִיר n.pr. Ophir
n.pr.m. 11th son of Joktan
n.pr.loc. (land or city S. or SE. fr. Palestine) place whither Sol.’s ships went fr. Ezion Geber, bringing thence gold
characteristic of fine gold (poet. & late)
hence for fine gold itself
base
H211 אוֹפִיר Ophir
211 'Owphiyr o-feer'
or (shortened) pOphiyr {o-feer'}; and fOwphir {o- feer'}; of
uncertain derivation; Ophir, the name of a son of Joktan, and
of a gold region in the East:--Ophir.
אוֹפִיר (o.phir) — Ophir.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.29;
son of: Joktan (H3355);
brother of: Almodad (H0486), Sheleph (H8026), Hazarmaveth (H2700), Jerah (H3392), Hadoram (H1913A), Uzal (H0187), Diklah (H1853), Obal (H5745), Abimael (H0039), Sheba (H7614H), Havilah (H2341I) and Jobab (H3103)
§ Ophir = "reducing to ashes"
1) eleventh son of Joktan
2) a land or city in southern Arabia in Solomon's trade route where gold evidently was traded for goods
3) characteristic of fine gold
4) fine gold
אוֹפִיר (o.phir) — Ophir.
§ Ophir = "reducing to ashes"
a land or city in southern Arabia in Solomon's trade route where gold evidently was traded for goods
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
o'-fer, o'-fir ('owphiyr (Ge 10:29), 'owphir (1Ki 10:11), 'ophir):
1. Scriptural References:
The 11th in order of the sons of Joktan (Ge 10:29 equals 1Ch 1:23). There is a clear reference also to a tribe Ophir (Ge 10:30). Ophir is the name of a land or city somewhere to the South or Southeast of Palestine for which Solomon's ships along with Phoenician vessels set out from Ezion-geber at the head of the Gulf of Aqabah, returning with great stores of gold, precious stones and "almug"-wood (1Ki 9:28; 10:11; 2Ch…
Ophir
(1.) One of the sons of Joktan (Gen. 10:29).
(2.) Some region famous for its gold (1 Kings 9:28; 10:11; 22:48; Job 22:24; 28:16; Isa. 13:12). In the LXX. this word is rendered “Sophir,” and “Sofir” is the Coptic name for India, which is the rendering of the Arabic version, as also of the Vulgate. Josephus has identified it with the Golden Chersonese, i.e., the Malay peninsula. It is now generally identified with Abhira, at the mouth of the Indus. Much may be said, however, in favour of the opinion that it was somewhere in Arabia.
(abundane). The eleventh in order of the sons of Joktan. (Genesis 10:29; 1 Chronicles 1:23) (B.C. after 2450.) A seaport or region from which the Hebrews in the time of Solomon obtained gold. The gold was proverbial for its fineness, so that "gold of Ophir" is several times used as an expression for fine gold, (1 Chronicles 29:4; Job 28:16; Psalms 45:9; Isaiah 13:12) and in one passage (Job 22:24) the word "Ophir" by itself is used for gold of Ophir, and for gold generally. In addition to gold, the vessels brought from Ophir almug wood and precious stones. The…
1. One of the sons of Joktan, who settled in southern Arabia, Ge 10:26-29.
2. A country to which the ships of Solomon traded, and which had for a long time been celebrated for the purity and abundance of its gold, Job 22:24 28:16. "Gold of Ophir" was proverbially the best gold, Ps 45:9 Isa 13:12. The only passages which give us any information as to the location of Ophir are 1Ki 9:26-28 10:11,22 22:48, with the parallel passages in 2Ch 8:18 9:10,21 20:36,37; from which it appears that the so called "ships of Tarshish" went to Ophir; that these ships sailed from…
שֹׁ֫הַם (shoham) refers to a gem, with its exact identification being uncertain. It is likely associated with onyx, beryl, or chrysoprasus, and may also refer to malachite. The word is built from an unused root that probably means to blanch, indicating a pale color.
שֹׁ֫הַם n.m. a gem, identif. dubious; onyx or chrysoprasus, beryl, malachite (√ unknown)
base
H7718 שֹׁ֫הַם a gem, identif. dubious (√ unknown)
7718 shoham sho'-ham
from an unused root probably mean to blanch; a gem, probably
the beryl (from its pale green color):--onyx.
שֹׁ֫הַם (sho.ham) — onyx.
1) a precious stone or gem
1a) probably onyx, chrysoprasus, beryl, malachite
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
on'-iks o'-niks.
See STONES, PRECIOUS.
Onyx
A hail; claw; hoof, (Heb. shoham), a precious stone adorning the breast-plate of the high priest and the shoulders of the ephod (Ex. 28:9-12, 20; 35:27; Job 28:16; Ezek. 28:13). It was found in the land of Havilah (Gen. 2:12). The LXX. translates the Hebrew word by smaragdos, an emerald. Some think that the sardonyx is meant. But the onyx differs from the sardonyx in this, that while the latter has two layers (black and white) the former has three (black, white, and red).
(a nail) is the translation of the Hebrew shoham ; but there is some doubt as to its signification. Some writers believe that the "beryl" is intended; but the balance of authority is in favor of some variety of the onyx. ("The onyx is not a transparent stone, but as the color of the flesh appears through the nail (Greek onyx) on the human body, so the reddish mass which is below shines delicately through the whitish surface of the onyx. There are several varieties. White and reddish stripes alternating form the sardonyx; white and reddish gray, the chalcedony. When polished it has a fine lustre, and is easily wrought into a gem of great beauty."-Rosenmiller.
A nail, the eleventh stone in the high priest’s breastplate, Ex 28:20. The modern onyx has some resemblance to the agate; and the color of the body of the stone is like that of the human nail; hence its name. The Hebrew word so translated is not known with certainty to signify the onyx; but denoted some valuable stone, Ge 2:12; Ex 25:7; 28:9-12,20. A species of marble resembling the onyx was known to the Greeks, and may have been the "onyx-stones" stored up by David for the temple, 1Ch 29:2.
יָקָר (yaqar) means precious, rare, or splendid, and can refer to something valuable or weighty. It encompasses meanings like costly, excellent, and glorious, often used to describe precious stones or jewels. The word is built from a root that implies value, and it appears in contexts highlighting worth or reputation.
יָקָר adj. precious, rare, splendid, weighty
base
H3368 יָקָר precious, rare, splendid, weighty
3368 yaqar yaw-kawr'
from 3365; valuable (obj. or subj.): -brightness, clear,
costly, excellent, fat, honourable women, precious,
reputation.
see HEBREW for 03365
יָקָר (ya.qar) — precious.
1) valuable, prized, weighty, precious, rare, splendid
1a) precious
1a1) costly
1a2) precious, highly valued
1a3) precious stones or jewels
1b) rare
1c) glorious, splendid
1d) weighty, influential
Adj — AdjHAamsa
presh'-us (stands for 17 different words, chief of which are yaqar; timios):
(1) Generally in the literal sense, "of great price," "costly," "expensive," of material things (e.g. Pr 1:13; Jer 20:5; Mr 14:3 the King James Version), especially of precious stones (2Sa 12:30; 2Ch 3:6; 1Co 3:12 the King James Version, etc.).
(2) Sometimes "of great moral (non-material) value." "Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his saints" (Ps 116:15); "his precious and exceeding great promises" (
סַפִּיר (sappir) refers to sapphire, and possibly lapis lazuli. It is identified as a gem, potentially used for scratching other materials. The word is derived from a root meaning to scratch, and it is noted in various lexicons for its association with these precious stones.
סַפִּיר n.[m.] sapphire, perh. also lapis lazuli
base
H5601 סַפִּיר sapphire, perh. also lapis lazuli
5601 cappiyr sap-peer'
from 5608; a gem (perhaps used for scratching other
substances), probably the sapphire:--sapphire.
see HEBREW for 05608
סַפִּיר (sap.pir) — sapphire.
sapphire, lapis lazuli
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
saf'-ir.
See STONES, PRECIOUS.
Sapphire
Associated with diamonds (Ex. 28:18) and emeralds (Ezek. 28:13); one of the stones in the high priest’s breastplate. It is a precious stone of a sky-blue colour, probably the lapis lazuli, brought from Babylon. The throne of God is described as of the colour of a sapphire (Ex. 24:10; comp. Ezek. 1:26).
(Heb. sappir), a precious stone, apparently of a bright-blue color, set: (Exodus 24:10) the second stone in the second row of the high priest’s breastplate, (Exodus 28:18) extremely precious, (Job 28:16) it was one of the precious stones that ornamented the king of Tyre. (Ezekiel 28:13) The sapphire of the ancients was not our gem of that name, viz. the azure or indigo-blue, crystalline variety of corundum, but our lapis lazuli (ultra-marine).
A gem next in hardness and value to the diamond, and comprising, as varieties, all those precious stones known by the name of oriental gems, namely, the oriental ruby, oriental topaz, and oriental emerald, Joh 21:25. In general the name of sapphire is given to the blue variety, which is either of deep indigo blue, or of various lighter tints, Ex 24:10, and sometimes gradually passes into perfectly white or colorless, which, when cut, may also pass for a diamond, Ex 28:18; 39:11; Re 21:19.