Ruby
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 ; Pro 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 Isa 54:12 ; Eze 27:16 .
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Ruby
(only plur. peninim; once [Proverbs 315, Kethib] , peniyim; Sept. , or ; Vulg. cunctoe opes, cuncta pretiosissima, gemmoe, de ultimis finibus, ebor antiquum), a gem concerning which there is much difference of opinion and great uncertainty. It occurs in the following passages: The price of wisdom is above peninim (Job 28:18; so also Pro 3:15; Pro 8:11; Pro 31:10); A multitude of peninim (20:15). In Lam 4:7, it is said, the Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than peninim. Boote (Animad. Sac. 4, 3), on account of the ruddiness mentioned in the last passage, supposed coral to be intended, for which, however, there appears to be another Hebrew word. SEE CORAL. Michaelis (Suppl. p. 2023) is of the same opinion, and compares the Heb. ; with the Arab. panah, a branch. Gesenius (Thesaur. s.v.) defends this argument. Bochart (Hieroz. 3, 601) contends that the Hebrew term denotes pearls, and explains the ruddiness alluded to above by supposing that the original word () signifies merely bright in color, or color of a reddish tinge. This opinion is supported by Rosenmller (Schol. in Thren.) and others, but opposed by Maurer (Comment.) and Gesenius. Certainly it would be no compliment to the great people of the land to say that their bodies were as red as coral or rubies, unless we adopt Maurer’s explanation, who refers the ruddiness to the blood which flowed in their veins. SEE RUDDY. On the whole, considering that the Hebrew word is always used in the plural, we are inclined to adopt Bochart’s explanation, and understand pearls to be intended. SEE PEARL.
The ruby is, however, generally supposed to be represented by the word , kad-kod’, which occurs in Eze 27:6, and Isa 54:12, where the A.V. renders it agate (q.v.). An Arabic word of similar sound (kadskadsat) signifies vivid redness; and as the Hebrew word may be derived from a root of like signification, it is inferred that it denotes the Oriental ruby, which is distinguished for its vivid red color, and was regarded as the most valuable of precious stones next after the diamond. This mode of identification, however, seems rather precarious. The Greek translator of Eze 27:16 does not appear to have known what it meant, for he preserves the original word; and although the translator of Isa 54:12 has jasper (Gr. iaspis, ), he is not regarded as any authority in such matters when he stands alone. The ruby was doubtless known to the Hebrews, but it is by no means certain that kad-kod was its name. Some have supposed that the word ekdach, , which from its etymology should signify a sparkling, flaming gem, is to be regarded as a species of ruby. It occurs only in Isa 54:12; hence the Sept. and A.V. make it a carbuncle (q.v.).
The ruby of mineralogists is a red sapphire (q.v.) or spinel. It is a gem highly prized, and only inferior in value to the diamond. The finest are the Oriental, which are chiefly brought from Ceylon and Burmah. They are found in alluvial deposits. The ruby, like other gems, had a host of occult virtues attributed to it by the Cabalists. It was supposed to give valor to the soldier in battle; to decide and concentrate affection; to foretell evil by growing pale, and to indicate that the danger was past by recovering its vivid color. SEE GEM.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Ruby
(Heb. peninim), only in plural (Lam. 4:7). The ruby was one of the stones in the high priest’s breastplate (Ex. 28:17). A comparison is made between the value of wisdom and rubies (Job 28:18; Prov. 3:15; 8:11). The price of a virtuous woman is said to be “far above rubies” (Prov. 31:10). The exact meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain. Some render it “red coral;” others, “pearl” or “mother-of-pearl.”
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Ruby
RUBY.See Jewels and Precious Stones.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Ruby
roobi. See STONES, PRECIOUS.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Ruby
The word rendered ‘ruby’ in the Authorized Version (Job 28:18; Pro 3:15; Pro 8:11; Pro 20:15; Pro 31:10; Lam 4:7) appears rather to indicate ‘pearls.’ The ruby is, however, generally supposed to be represented by the word rendered ‘agate’ in Eze 27:6, and Isa 54:12. The Oriental ruby is distinguished for its vivid red color, and was regarded as the most valuable of precious stones next after the diamond.
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Ruby
Job 28:18; Pro 20:15; Pro 31:10; Lam 4:7
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Ruby
a beautiful gem, whose colour is red, with an admixture of purple, and is, in its most perfect state, a gem of extreme value. In hardness it is equal to the sapphire, and second only to the diamond. It is mentioned in Job 28:18, and Pro 8:11, &c.