rubies Summary and Overview

Concerning the meaning of the Hebrew words translated "rubies" there is much difference of opinion. #Job 28:18| see also Prov 3:15; 8:11; 31:10 Some suppose "coral" to be in tended; others "pearl," supposing that the original word signifies merely "bright in color," or "color of a reddish tinge." (The real ruby is a red sapphire, next in value to the diamond. The finest rubies are brought chiefly from Ceylon and Burmah.)

RU'BIES . There is much uncertainty concerning this translation. Some would render the word "red coral," and others "pearl" or "mother-of-pearl," both of which latter are often of a ruddy hue. The word occurs in Job 28:18; Prov 3:15; Jud 8:11; Prov 20:15; Prov 31:10; Lam 4:7, but seems never associated with the name of any precious stone. True rubies are of a red color. They are next to the diamond in hardness, beauty, and value, and once commanded even a higher price. See Stones, Precious.

peniyim, peninim (Job 28:18; Proverbs 3:15; Proverbs 8:11; Proverbs 31:10; Lamentations 4:7), "more ruddy than rubies," but Bochart "pearls." Gesenius (from the Arabic "a branch" and the Hebrew paanan "to divide into branches" or else "to turn" from the globular form), "corals."