Job 28:18 — Word Study
WLCרָאמ֣וֹת וְ֭גָבִישׁ לֹ֣א יִזָּכֵ֑ר וּמֶ֥שֶׁךְ חָ֝כְמָ֗ה מִפְּנִינִֽים׃
BSACoralrâʼmâh [or pearl, a precious stone] and quartzgâbîysh△ [crystal, a clear ice-like stone] are unworthylôʼ of mentionzâkar▸ the pricemeshek [value, worth] of wisdom [is]chokmâh [skill, prudence, or good judgment] beyond rubiespânîyn [above, more than, jewels, precious stones]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| רָאמ֣וֹת | corals | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| וְ֭גָבִישׁ | and crystal | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לֹ֣א | not | Particle |
| יִזָּכֵ֑ר | it is remembered | Verb, Niphal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| וּמֶ֥שֶׁךְ | and [the] price of | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| חָ֝כְמָ֗ה | wisdom | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| מִפְּנִינִֽים׃ | [is] more than pearls | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. |
| KJV | No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. |
| ASV | No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal: Yea, the price of wisdom is above rubies. |
| YLT | Corals and pearl are not remembered, The acquisition of wisdom [is] above rubies. |
| WEB | No mention will be made of coral or of crystal. Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies. |
| BBE | There is no need to say anything about coral or crystal; and the value of wisdom is greater than that of pearls. |
Where they part company is גָבִישׁ — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause presents a clear assertion, supported by additional phrases that provide context and comparison.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbזָכַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
1 of 7 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.
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 28:18
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 Search for Wisdomgenerated
Job 28:18 is part of a poetic reflection on the elusive nature of wisdom. Job emphasizes that no material wealth, including coral and crystal, can compare to the value of true wisdom. This section highlights the importance of seeking wisdom above all earthly treasures, as it is essential for understanding life and its complexities.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 27:16 | Aram was your customer because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares. |
| 2 | Matthew 7:6 | Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. |
| 3 | Matthew 13:45–46 | Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 2:9 | Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, |
| 5 | Revelation 17:4 | The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — רָאמוֹת, ra.Motgenerated
The word רָאמוֹת (ra'mot) refers to corals, which are highly valued in biblical literature. It is a feminine plural noun that signifies something precious, derived from a root meaning height, suggesting its esteemed status.
In this verse, Job uses רָאמוֹת to illustrate that even the most valuable materials are insignificant compared to wisdom. The use of this term underscores the theme that wisdom is beyond material wealth.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse centers around a main clause that asserts the unworthiness of coral and crystal, followed by a contrasting statement about the value of wisdom. The finite verb יִזָּכֵ֑ר (it is remembered) anchors the sentence, with the subject being coral and quartz.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the comparison between earthly treasures and wisdom, highlighting the latter's superiority.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates רָאמוֹת as μετέωρα, which means 'suspended' or 'high.' This choice suggests a broader interpretation of value, indicating that coral is not just precious but also elevated in status.
For גָבִישׁ, the LXX uses καὶ, a conjunction, which does not specify a particular stone, thus leaving the interpretation of 'crystal' open.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 28:18 tells us that coral and quartz are not worth mentioning compared to the value of wisdom, which is more precious than rubies. This verse emphasizes that true wisdom is far more valuable than any earthly treasure.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job is emphasizing that no material possessions can compare to the value of wisdom.
Precious stones symbolize wealth and value, and Job uses this comparison to illustrate the superior worth of wisdom.
This signifies that wisdom is more valuable than the most precious of earthly treasures, highlighting its importance.
The verse reflects Job's exploration of suffering and the quest for understanding, emphasizing that wisdom is key to navigating life's challenges.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways I can seek wisdom in my daily life?
- How do I value wisdom compared to material possessions?
- In what situations have I experienced the importance of wisdom over wealth?
- How can I help others understand the value of wisdom?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators reflect on the value of wisdom in comparison to worldly riches, arguing from this verse to illustrate its supreme importance.
“The highest and loftier things are not worthy of mention in comparison with it.” He shows that not only amassed riches but also the heights of honors and the highest peaks of official dignity become worthless in comparison with it.Early Church Fathers on Job 28 →
Nor shall they be mentioned in comparison with her. For wisdom is drawn from out of sight. For all the Elect of the Country Above are indeed holy and righteous, but by a participation of Wisdom, not by comparison therewith.Early Church Fathers on Job 28 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 28:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleNo mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls,.... Coral is a marine plant, is as hard as a stone, and of such value as to be reckoned among precious stones; [See comments on Ezekiel 27:16].
Read John Gill on Job 28 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryNo mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. Red coral (Ezekiel 27:16). Pearls - literally, what is frozen [ gaabiysh (H1378)]. Probably crystal; and Job 28:17 will then be glass.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 28 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleNo mention shall be made; they are of no value, nor worthy to be named the same day with this, nor fit to be mentioned as a price or recompence wherewith to purchase this. The price; or, the attraction, or acquisition; or rather, the extraction, or drawing forth. For Job useth the word of art which was proper in the taking of pearls, as the following word, rendered by our translators rubies, is understood by divers, both Hebrew and Christian interpreters, and amongst others by the late eminently learned Bochart, who proveth it by divers arguments. Now these pearls are and were taken by men that dived to the bottom of the sea, and drew them out thence, which is the very word which both…
Read Matthew Poole on Job 28 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 28:18 No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom [is] above rubies.Ver. 18. No mention shall be made of coral] No talk of coral or carbuncle, of pearl, or any other the rarest and richest jewels in all the world. We read of Cleopatra, that vying with Antony in luxury, she drunk up a pearl of incredible price dissolved in vinegar; and of Charles, duke of Burgundy, that in the fight at Nansey, he lost a diamond of that worth, ut eo tota aliqua regio emi posset, that therewith a man might have bought a whole country (Macrob. Sat. lib. 5, cap. 17; Alsted. Chronol.). It was afterwards set in the pope’ s triple crown; but no way worthy to be mentioned in the same…
Read John Trapp on Job 28 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 18. See also Clarke on "Job 28:16". Ver. 18. 4. ראמות ramoth, CORAL, from ראם raam, to be exalted or elevated; probably from this remarkable property of coral, "it always grows from the tops of marine rocky caverns with the head downwards." Red coral is found in the Mediterranean, about the isles of Majorca and Minorca, on the African coast, and in the Ethiopic ocean. 5. גביש gabish, PEARLS, from גבש gabash, in Arabic, to be smooth, to shave off the hair; and hence gabish, the pearl, the smooth round substance; and also hail or hailstones, because of their resemblance to pearls. The pearl is the production of a shell-fish of the oyster kind, found chiefly in the East Indies, and…
Read AdamClarke on Job 28 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18. or of pearls] Rather, of crystal. price of wisdom is above rubies] Or, the possession of wisdom is above (or, more than) pearls, i. e. pearls cannot acquire it or give possession of it. The meaning is scarcely that Wisdom is a more precious thing to possess than pearls.
Read Cambridge on Job 28 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleNo mention shall be made of coral - That is, as a price by which to purchase wisdom, or in comparison with wisdom. The margin here is, “Ramoth” - retaining the Hebrew word ראמה râ'mâh.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 28 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible18. Coral — Ramoth, cognate with the Arabic rama, to be blood red. “Probably the red coral, which was highly prized by the ancients.” — Winer. Pearls — Hebrew, Gabish.
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
Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
No mention will be made of coral or of crystal. Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies.
Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
Of coral and jasper no mention will be made; the price of wisdom is more than pearls.
Tyndale line
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal: Yea, the price of wisdom is above rubies.
No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal: yea, the price of wisdom is above rubies.
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
No mention shall be made of coral, nor of the gabish: for wisedome is more precious then pearles.
Strictly literal
Corals and crystal are no more remembered; yea, the acquisition of wisdom is above rubies.
Corals and pearl are not remembered, The acquisition of wisdom [is] above rubies.
Corals and pearl are not remembered, || The acquisition of wisdom [is] above rubies.
Coral and crystal will not be thought of; and the value of wisdom is above pearls.
No mention is worth making of coral or jasper; indeed, the price of wisdom is more than rubies.
From the Latin
High and eminent things shall not be mentioned in comparison of it: but wisdom is drawn out of secret places.
Simplified
Coral and crystal are not worth mentioning; the price of wisdom is far above rubies.
There is no need to say anything about coral or crystal; and the value of wisdom is greater than that of pearls.
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 largely agree in content, with six of the seven words matched. However, the Septuagint's word order and articles differ, indicating a variation in translation style rather than meaning.
רָאמ֣וֹת וְ֭גָבִישׁ לֹ֣א יִזָּכֵ֑ר וּמֶ֥שֶׁךְ חָ֝כְמָ֗ה מִפְּנִינִֽים׃
6 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 28:18
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.
רָאמוֹת (ra'mah) refers to corals, described as something high in value. The term is derived from a root that also relates to the concept of height. The entries consistently identify it as a plural feminine noun, specifically denoting corals.
רָאמוֹת n.[f.pl.] usu. corals
base
H7215 רָאמוֹת, רָאמָה
7215 ra'mah raw-maw'
from 7213; something high in value, i.e. perhaps
coral:--coral.
see HEBREW for 07213
רָאמוֹת (ra.mah) — coral.
corals
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
גָּבִישׁ (gabiysh) refers to crystal, likely derived from a root meaning to freeze, as it resembles ice. The term appears in Job 28:18, where it is associated with precious materials.
גָּבִישׁ n.m. crystal Jb 28:18
ref
H1378 גָּבִישׁ
1378 gabiysh gaw-beesh'
from an unused root (probably meaning to freeze); crystal
(from its resemblance to ice):--pearl.
גָּבִישׁ (ga.vish) — crystal.
crystal
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
kris'-tal: In English Versions of the Bible the word is probably intended to signify rock-crystal, crystallized quartz. This the Greeks called krustallos, "ice," believing it to have been formed from water by intense cold. Thus in Re 4:6; 21:11; 22:1, either "crystal" (EV) or "ice" (Greek, krustallos) suits the context. The word rendered "crystal" in Eze 1:22 (qerach) is ambiguous in precisely the same way (the Revised Version, margin "ice"). In Job 28:17 the context favors the King James Version "crystal," rather than the Revised Version (British and American) "glass" (zekhukhith). Finally, in Job 28:18 the Revised Version (British and American) reads "crystal" for the…
Crystal
(Ezek. 1:22, with the epithet “terrible,” as dazzling the spectators with its brightness). The word occurs in Rev. 4:6; 21:11; 22:1. It is a stone of the flint order, the most refined kind of quartz. The Greek word here used means also literally “ice.” The ancients regarded the crystal as only pure water congealed into extreme hardness by great length of time.
the representative in the Authorized Version of two Hebrew words. Zecucith occurs only in (Job 28:17) where "glass" probably is intended. kerach occurs in numerous passages in the Old Testament to denote "ice," "frost," etc.; but once only (Ezekiel 1:22) as is generally understood, to signify "crystal." The ancients supposed rock-crystal to be merely ice congealed by intense cold. The similarity of appearance between ice and crystal caused no doubt the identity of the terms to express these substances. The Greek word occurs in (Revelation 4:6; 21:1) It may mean either "ice" or "crystal."
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
The Hebrew word זָכַר (zakar) means 'to remember' and is built from a primitive root implying recognition. It covers a range of meanings, including recalling thoughts, commemorating days, and causing others to remember. The entries also note its use in various grammatical forms, such as being remembered or making a memorial.
זָכַר vb. remember
Qal
Human subj.
remember, recall, call to mind, usu. as affecting present feeling, thought or action
remember persons (human subj.)
remember י׳
remember
think of or on, call to mind something present or future
remember a day, to observe, commemorate it
remember, with implied mention of, obj.
Subj. י׳ (אלהִם)
remember persons
remember the distress of his servants
their devotion
remember his own covenant (with them)
his mercy
extenuating circumstances
remember sins, idolatries
Niph.
be brought to remembrance, remembered, thought of, usu. c. neg.
neg. be not remembered = no longer exist, of name of Israel, as nation
be remembered, of particular days, in order to be observed, commemorated
Hiph.
cause to remember, remind
cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance
mention
record, only pt.
of sacrifice, make a memorial
base
H2142 זָכַר remember .. Human subj. . remember, recall, call to mind, usu. as affecting present feeling, thought or action
. remember persons (human subj.)
. remember י׳
. remember
. think of or on, call to mind something present or future
. remember a day, to observe, commemorate it
. remember, with implied mention of, obj.
. Subj. י׳ (אלהִם) . remember persons
. . remember the distress of his servants
. their devotion
. . remember his own covenant (with them)
. his mercy
. extenuating circumstances
. remember sins, idolatries
. . be brought to remembrance, remembered, thought of, usu. c. neg.
. neg. be not remembered = no longer exist, of name of Israel, as nation
. be remembered, of particular days, in order to be observed, commemorated
. . cause to remember, remind
. cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance
. mention
. record, only pt.
. of sacrifice, make a memorial
2142 zakar zaw-kar'
a primitive root; properly, to mark (so as to be recognized),
i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; also (as
denominative from 2145) to be male:--X burn (incense), X
earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount,
record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call,
come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, X still, think on, X
well.
see HEBREW for 02145
זָכַר (za.khar) — to remember.
1) to remember, recall, call to mind
1a) (Qal) to remember, recall
1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to remember, remind
1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance
1c3) to mention
1c4) to record
1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVNi3ms
מֶ֫שֶׁךְ (meshek) refers to a drawing or a trail, often associated with sowing or acquiring possessions. It can denote a price or something precious. The entries highlight its connection to the act of drawing up, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense, but do not provide specific verse references.
[מֶ֫שֶׁךְ] n.[m.] a drawing, drawing up, a trail
base
H4901 מֶ֫שֶׁךְ
4901 meshek meh'shek
from 4900; a sowing; also a possession:--precious, price.
see HEBREW for 04900
מֶ֫שֶׁךְ (me.shekh) — bag/price.
1) a drawing, drawing up, drawing up a trail
1a) the drawing up, fishing up, securing, acquiring
1b) a trail (of seed)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/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…
חָכְמָה (chokmah) means wisdom and encompasses various forms of skill, including in war and administration, as well as shrewdness and ethical prudence. It is built from the root word for wisdom, חָכַם (chakam). The term appears in contexts related to both practical and religious matters.
חָכְמָה n.f. wisdom
skill in war
wisdom, in administration
shrewdness, wisdom
wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
wisdom, ethical and religious
base
H2451 חָכְמָה wisdom . skill in war
. wisdom, in administration
. shrewdness, wisdom
. wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
. wisdom, ethical and religious
2451 chokmah khok-maw'
from 2449; wisdom (in a good sense):--skilful, wisdom,
wisely, wit.
see HEBREW for 02449
חׇכְמָה (chokh.mah) — wisdom.
1) wisdom
1a) skill (in war)
1b) wisdom (in administration)
1c) shrewdness, wisdom
1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)
1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wiz'-dum:
1. Linguistic
2. History
3. Religious Basis
4. Ideals
5. Teaching of Christ
6. Remainder of the New Testament
(1) James
(2) Paul
7. Hypostasis
LITERATURE
1. Linguistic:
In the Revised Version (British and American) the noun "wisdom" and its corresponding adjective and verb ("be wise," "act wisely," etc.) represent a variety of Hebrew words: bin (binah, and in the English Revised Version tebunah), sakhal (sekhel, sekhel), lebh (and in the English Revised Version labhabh), tushiyah (and in the English Revised Version Te`em, `ormah, piqqach. None of these, however, is of very frequent occurrence and by far the most common group is the verb chakham, with the adjective chakham, and the nouns chokhmah, chokhmoth, with something over 300 occurrences in the Old Testament (of which rather more than half are in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes). Cokhmah, accordingly, may be treated as the Hebrew…
פְּנִינִים (paniyn) refers to jewels or precious stones, possibly including corals and rubies. It is derived from a root that suggests a round shape, akin to pearls. The entries indicate that it is a plural noun, with some uncertainty about specific types of stones it may include.
פְּנִינִים n.[f.]pl. corals (? as branching)
base
H6443 פְּנִינִים, פָּנִין, פָּנִי
6443 paniyn paw-neen'
or paniy {paw-nee'}; from the same as 6434; probably a pearl
(as round):--ruby.
see HEBREW for 06434
פְּנִינִים (pa.nin) — jewel.
1) a precious stone
1a) perhaps corals, rubies, jewels
Prep | N-cp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHR/Ncmpa
Were ranked by the ancients among the most precious substances, Re 17:4, and were highly valued as ornaments for women. Their modest splendor still charms the Orientals, and a string of pearls is a favorite decoration of eastern monarchs. The kingdom of heaven is compared to a goodly pearl, so superior to all others that the pearl merchant sold all others that he could obtain for it the highest price, Mt 13:45,46. The gates of heaven are described as consisting of pearls; "every several gate was one pearl," Re 21:21. The Savior forbade his apostles to cast their pearls before swine, Mt 7:6; that is, to expose the precious truths of the gospel unnecessarily to those who…