Rubies are precious gemstones mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing beauty, value, and wisdom. In biblical times, rubies were highly esteemed and considered among the most valuable of jewels. Their deep red color and rarity made them a fitting metaphor for things of great worth and significance.

Biblical References:

1. Job 28:18 · "Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies." In this passage, rubies are used to illustrate the incomparable value of wisdom. The verse emphasizes that wisdom is more precious than even the most treasured earthly possessions.

2. Proverbs 3:15 · "She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her." Here, wisdom is personified and described as being more valuable than rubies, highlighting the supreme importance of wisdom in a believer's life.

3. Proverbs 8:11 · "For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her." This verse reiterates the theme found in Proverbs 3:15, underscoring the unmatched worth of wisdom over material wealth.

4. Proverbs 31:10 · "Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than rubies." In this well-known passage, a virtuous wife is compared to rubies, signifying her immense value and the rarity of such a noble character.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the biblical context, rubies symbolize not only material wealth but also spiritual wealth. They are often used to convey the idea that spiritual virtues, such as wisdom and noble character, are of far greater worth than any earthly treasure. The repeated comparison of wisdom and noble character to rubies serves to remind believers of the eternal value of spiritual pursuits over temporal gains.

Rubies, with their vibrant red hue, can also be seen as a symbol of love and passion. This symbolism aligns with the biblical portrayal of a virtuous woman, whose worth is far beyond rubies, as she embodies love, dedication, and strength.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, rubies were sourced from regions such as India and Southeast Asia. They were prized by royalty and often used in the adornment of crowns and jewelry. The high regard for rubies in biblical literature reflects their esteemed status in the ancient world.

The Hebrew word often translated as "rubies" in the Bible is "paniyn" or "peninim," which can also refer to other red gemstones like corals or pearls. However, the context in which these terms are used suggests a reference to precious stones of significant value, such as rubies.

Theological Insights:

From a theological perspective, the use of rubies in Scripture serves as a metaphor for the incomparable value of spiritual wisdom and virtue. It challenges believers to seek after these eternal treasures rather than being consumed by the pursuit of material wealth. The depiction of wisdom and noble character as more precious than rubies encourages a life focused on spiritual growth and godly living.

In summary, rubies in the Bible are emblematic of the highest virtues and the pursuit of wisdom, serving as a powerful reminder of the eternal values that should guide a believer's life.Rubies

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.)

(n.) Plural of Ruby.3539. kadkod -- (a precious stone) perhaps ruby
... 3538b, 3539. kadkod. 3540 . (a precious stone) perhaps ruby. Transliteration:
kadkod Phonetic Spelling: (kad-kobe') Short Definition: rubies. ...
/hebrew/3539.htm - 6k

The Emperor and Empress
... his imperial insignia. His person was a blaze of jewels. Huge rubies and
emeralds were pendent from his ears. Necklaces of large ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor and.htm

The True Gold and Its Testing
... good. 'Wisdom is more precious than rubies,' say people, and yet they will
choose the rubies, and take no trouble to get the wisdom. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the true gold and its.htm

The Gifts of Heavenly Wisdom
... fine gold.15. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou
canst desire are not to be compared unto her.16. Length of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the gifts of heavenly wisdom.htm

What is Meant by "Altogether Lovely"
... worth is? "His price is above rubies, and all that thou canst desire is not
to be compared with him," Prov.8:11. Thirdly "Altogether ...
/.../flavel/christ altogether lovely/what is meant by altogether.htm

Letter iv. On the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures
... is so precious as the volume of inspiration. It is like rubies in a case
of gold. That which is most valuable for practical use ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter iv on the reading.htm

God's Word not to be Refused
... gospel. See, then, that ye refuse not this precious Word, more precious
than gold or rubies"which alone can save your souls. See ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/gods word not to be.htm

Israel in Canaan.
... and these were sent out to all the countries round, in exchange for balm and spices
from Gilead; corn and linen from Egypt; ivory, pearls, and rubies from India ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm

Trust in God --True Wisdom
... jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or of pearls: for
the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/trust in godtrue wisdom.htm

The Creator Has Made Wisdom the Supreme Prize
... than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: And none of the things
thou canst desire are to be compared unto her. Length of ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv the creator has made.htm

Wisdom and the Strange Woman
... choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may
be desired are not to be compared unto her. 5. I Wisdom ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii wisdom and the strange.htm

Rubies (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rubies (8 Occurrences). Job 28:18 No mention shall be
made of coral or of crystal. Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies. ...
/r/rubies.htm - 8k

Coral (3 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American) "glass"); paz, "gold"; gabhish, "pearls" (the Revised
Version (British and American) "crystal"); peninim, "rubies" (the Revised ...
/c/coral.htm - 12k

Ruby (5 Occurrences)
... A comparison is made between the value of wisdom and rubies (Job 28:18;
Proverbs 3:15; 8:11). The price of a virtuous woman is said ...
/r/ruby.htm - 9k

Crystal (7 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT NIV). Job 28:18 No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal. Yes,
the price of wisdom is above rubies. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV). ...
/c/crystal.htm - 11k

Corals (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Corals (5 Occurrences). Job 28:18 Corals and crystal are
no more remembered; yea, the acquisition of wisdom is above rubies. (DBY YLT) ...
/c/corals.htm - 7k

Comparable (6 Occurrences)
... LORD, (See NAS). Proverbs 3:15 Precious she 'is' above rubies, And all thy
pleasures are not comparable to her. (YLT). Proverbs 8:11 ...
/c/comparable.htm - 8k

Compared (29 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies. None ... (WEB KJV JPS ASV
WBS). Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies. All ...
/c/compared.htm - 14k

Compare (22 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire
are to be compared to her. ... Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies. ...
/c/compare.htm - 14k

Jewels (54 Occurrences)
... (BBE NAS RSV). Proverbs 20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies;
but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. (See NAS). ...
/j/jewels.htm - 23k

Rubble (17 Occurrences)

/r/rubble.htm - 12k

What does the Bible say about crystals? | GotQuestions.org

Rubies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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