Lexical Summary gabish: Crystal, Ice Original Word: גָּבִישׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pearl From an unused root (probably meaning to freeze); crystal (from its resemblance to ice) -- pearl. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition crystal NASB Translation crystal (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גָּבִישׁ noun masculine crystal (compare אֶלְגָּבִישׁ hail — on relation of meanings compare Greek κρύσταλλος, & Ethiopic usage of  DiLex. Aeth.759 — Arabic  gypsum, Assyrian gibšu, mass, abundance, COT Gloss) — רָא֯מוֺת וְגָבִישׁ Job 28:18 coral and crystal. Topical Lexicon Occurrence Biblical Setting In Job 28 the sufferer-poet pauses his dialogue to compose a hymn on the elusiveness of true wisdom. He catalogs the greatest treasures known to the ancient world—gold, onyx, sapphires, topaz, coral, and finally גָּבִישׁ. Each treasure is dismissed as inadequate currency for purchasing wisdom, which is “hidden from the eyes of every living thing” (Job 28:21). By naming גָּבִישׁ alongside the costliest minerals of his day, Job places it at the summit of material value while simultaneously declaring it worthless in comparison to divine wisdom. Imagery and Meaning Berean Standard Bible renders the word “quartz,” while other translations prefer “crystal” or “ice.” All three nuances share common imagery: transparency, brilliance, and durability. These qualities symbolize purity and clarity—fitting attributes to contrast with the mysterious, unfathomable character of God’s wisdom. Just as light passes through a flawless crystal yet leaves the crystal unchanged, so divine wisdom illuminates life without ever being exhausted or diminished. Literary Function in Job 28 1. A climactic metaphor: The verse moves from common trade goods to rarities and finally to גָּבִישׁ, intensifying the sense of value before the sudden declaration that wisdom outshines them all. Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, clear quartz and rock crystal were prized for jewelry, seals, and cultic objects. Their translucence invited associations with heavenly light. Egyptian artisans carved scarabs from crystal, and Mesopotamian temples displayed crystal vessels. Such artifacts would have reached the Levant through trade routes, so the audience of Job would readily grasp the image of an object simultaneously beautiful and almost untouchable. Connections to Broader Biblical Themes • Purity before God: Psalm 24:3–4 speaks of “clean hands and a pure heart,” qualities visually evoked by crystal clarity. Theological Significance 1. Transcendence of divine wisdom: Human ingenuity can unearth gems but not wisdom’s source (Job 28:23). Implications for Ministry • Stewardship: Earth’s brightest materials are gifts, but they must never eclipse the pursuit of godliness. Related Concepts and Passages for Study Exodus 28:17–20; 1 Kings 10:11; Proverbs 8:10–11; Isaiah 54:11–12; Revelation 21:11, 18. Forms and Transliterations וְ֭גָבִישׁ וגביש Vegavish wə·ḡā·ḇîš wəḡāḇîšLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 28:18 HEB: רָאמ֣וֹת וְ֭גָבִישׁ לֹ֣א יִזָּכֵ֑ר NAS: Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned; KJV: shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price INT: Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned 1 Occurrence |
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