Definition and Description:
Ruby is a precious gemstone known for its deep red color, often associated with beauty, wealth, and nobility. In biblical times, rubies were highly valued and considered one of the most precious stones. The Hebrew word often translated as "ruby" is "peninim," though there is some debate among scholars about the exact identification of ancient gemstones.

Biblical References:
Rubies are mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing wisdom, virtue, and the value of a godly character. In the book of Job, rubies are used to illustrate the incomparable value of wisdom: "Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies" (Job 28:18). This passage emphasizes that spiritual insight and understanding are more precious than the most valuable earthly treasures.

In Proverbs, rubies are again used to highlight the worth of wisdom and a virtuous life. Proverbs 3:15 states, "She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her" , referring to wisdom as a priceless treasure. Similarly, Proverbs 8:11 declares, "For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her" , reinforcing the theme that spiritual wisdom surpasses all material wealth.

The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is also compared to rubies: "A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies" (Proverbs 31:10). This verse underscores the immense value of a woman who embodies godly virtues, suggesting that her worth exceeds that of the finest jewels.

Symbolism and Significance:
In biblical literature, rubies symbolize not only material wealth but also spiritual richness. They serve as a metaphor for the invaluable nature of wisdom and virtue, qualities that are esteemed above all earthly possessions. The frequent comparison of wisdom and virtuous character to rubies in the Scriptures highlights the biblical teaching that true wealth is found in spiritual and moral excellence rather than in material abundance.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, gemstones like rubies were often used in trade and as symbols of status and power. They were incorporated into jewelry, royal regalia, and religious artifacts. The high regard for rubies in biblical texts reflects their esteemed status in the cultures surrounding ancient Israel.

Theological Implications:
The biblical use of rubies as a metaphor for wisdom and virtue aligns with the broader scriptural theme that true value is found in one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments. The emphasis on spiritual over material wealth encourages believers to seek after godly wisdom and character, which are eternal and unchanging, rather than transient earthly riches.Ruby

The oriental ruby is next in value, as a gem, to the diamond. Indeed, a ruby of this kind, above a certain size, is more valuable than a diamond of the same weight. The oriental ruby is a red variety of the sapphire its color is usually between a vivid cochineal and crimson. The word "rubies" occurs several times in the English Bible, as Job 28:18; Proverbs 3:15; 8:11; but the corresponding word in Hebrew is thought to denote red coral, or perhaps pearls; while the true ruby is more naturally designated by the "agate" or "carbuncle" of Isaiah 54:12; Ezekiel 27:16.

(Hebrews peninim), only in plural (Lamentations 4:7). The ruby was one of the stones in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17). 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 to be "far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10). The exact meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain. Some render it "red coral;" others, "pearl" or "mother-of-pearl." 1. (n.) A precious stone of a carmine red color, sometimes verging to violet, or intermediate between carmine and hyacinth red. It is a red crystallized variety of corundum.

2. (n.) The color of a ruby; carmine red; a red tint.

3. (n.) That which has the color of the ruby, as red wine. Hence, a red blain or carbuncle.

4. (n.) See Agate, n., 2.

5. (n.) Any species of South American humming birds of the genus Clytolaema. The males have a ruby-colored throat or breast.

6. (a.) Ruby-colored; red; as, ruby lips.

7. (v. t.) To make red; to redden.

RUBY

roo'-bi.

See STONES, PRECIOUS.

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

124. odem -- a carnelian
... 123, 124. odem. 125 . a carnelian. Transliteration: odem Phonetic Spelling:
(o'-dem) Short Definition: ruby. Word Origin from the ...
/hebrew/124.htm - 6k

6443. peninim -- corals
... ruby. Or paniy {paw-nee'}; from the same as pen; probably a pearl (as round) --
ruby. see HEBREW pen. 6442, 6443. peninim. 6444 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6443.htm - 6k

Before the End of the Month, Ruby had Got Respectably Thin...
... Chapter 34 Before the end of the month, Ruby had got respectably thin?
Before the end of the month, Ruby had got respectably thin ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 34 before the end.htm

It was a Great Delight to Diamond when at Length Nanny was Well ...
... Things however did not go well with Joseph from the very arrival of Ruby. It almost
seemed as if the red beast had brought ill luck with him. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 31 it was a.htm

It was Friday Night, and Diamond, Like the Rest of the Household.. ...
... A little light came through the dusty window from a gas-lamp, sufficient to show
him Diamond and Ruby with their two heads up, looking at each other across the ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 32 it was friday.htm

The Next Morning, Diamond's Mother Said to his Father...
... "Think of a red, fat angel, Dulcimer!" he repeated; "for Ruby's an angel of a
horse, Dulcimer. ... It must be for some good, for Ruby's an angel.". ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 33 the next morning.htm

Introduction.
... text margin i. sardion i. lapis sardius i. sardius (m. ruby) i. sardius
or ruby topazion topazius topaz topaz smaragdos smaragdus. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 4.htm

Nanny was not Fit to be Moved for Some Time Yet...
... And she drew it off, and put it upon one of my fingers. It was a red stone, and
she told me they called it a ruby.". ... "Our new horse is called Ruby. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 30 nanny was not.htm

The Best Beloved
... Each gem has its own radiance: the diamond is not like the ruby, nor the ruby like
the emerald; but Christ is that ring in which you have sapphire, ruby ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/the best beloved.htm

The Children were Delighted with the Story, and Made Many Amusing ...
... Oddly enough, the name of the new horse was Ruby, for he was a very red chestnut.
Diamond's name came from a white lozenge on his forehead. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 29 the children were.htm

At the Back of the North Wind
... Chapter 33 The next morning, Diamond's mother said to his father? Chapter 34 Before
the end of the month, Ruby had got respectably thin? Chapter 35 Mr.? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/at the back of the north wind/

The Procession of Sorrow
... Will your Prince be decorated with honors? Behold, my King is not without his
crown"alas, a crown of thorns set with ruby drops of blood! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the procession of sorrow.htm

Ruby (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews peninim), only in plural (Lamentations 4:7).
The ruby was one of the stones in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17). ...
/r/ruby.htm - 9k

Onyx (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:18 The second, a ruby, a sapphire, and an onyx; (BBE). ... Exodus
39:11 In the second, a ruby, a sapphire, and an onyx; (BBE). ...
/o/onyx.htm - 12k

Topaz (7 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:17 You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row
of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT ...
/t/topaz.htm - 9k

Beryl (12 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:17 You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row
of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; (WEB NIV). ...
/b/beryl.htm - 11k

Rows (29 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:17 You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row
of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT ...
/r/rows.htm - 15k

Row (26 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:17 You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row
of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY ...
/r/row.htm - 14k

Rubies (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Ruby. Multi-Version Concordance Rubies
(8 Occurrences). Job 28:18 No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal. ...
/r/rubies.htm - 8k

Rudder (2 Occurrences)

/r/rudder.htm - 8k

Precious (128 Occurrences)
... from one another in chemical composition, and are therefore assigned to different
species and given different names; among them are oriental ruby (red corundum ...
/p/precious.htm - 71k

Stones (244 Occurrences)
... from one another in chemical composition, and are therefore assigned to different
species and given different names; among them are oriental ruby (red corundum ...
/s/stones.htm - 74k

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