Lexical Summary peninim: Pearls, rubies, precious stones Original Word: פָנִין Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ruby Or paniy {paw-nee'}; from the same as pen; probably a pearl (as round) -- ruby. see HEBREW pen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as pinnah Definition corals NASB Translation corals (1), jewels (4), pearls (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְּנִינִים noun [feminine] plural corals (? as branching compare Arabic  branch of tree; so Mich Thes and others; > pearls BoHieroz. 601 DiJb after Ra and others); — ׳פ figurative of value Proverbs 20:15; usually ׳מִמּ, camp. Job 28:18; Proverbs 3:15 (Kt מפניים), Proverbs 8:11; Proverbs 31:10 (all of value), Lamentations 4:7 (of red colour); + Psalm 45:14 (perhaps; for מְּנִימָה, q. v. ). Topical Lexicon Term and Scope פָּנִין denotes a precious red gem usually rendered “rubies” in English versions. All six occurrences present the stone as a benchmark of beauty and wealth by which something of far greater, often spiritual, value is measured. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Job 28:18 Symbolic Significance Throughout Scripture rubies serve as the superlative earthly commodity against which wisdom, righteous speech, and noble character are contrasted. Their rarity and brilliance provide the inspired writers with a vivid parallel for the surpassing worth of the intangible graces of God. Comparative Worth • Wisdom: “For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her” (Proverbs 8:11). The inspired refrain steadily elevates divine wisdom and virtuous life above material prosperity. What fallen humanity prizes most highly is deliberately placed second to what God prizes. Cultural and Historical Background Rubies—or possibly red coral—were imported luxury items in the ancient Near East, likely arriving through Phoenician trade routes. Their deep crimson color symbolized vitality and royal splendor; hence Lamentations 4:7 recalls Judah’s princes who once “were more ruddy than rubies.” The devastated nation remembers former glory by appealing to this valued stone, intensifying the pathos of their humiliation. Theological Themes 1. True Value: The Spirit-inspired use of פָּנִין dismantles materialism, teaching that eternal realities outshine temporal riches. Applications for Faith and Ministry • Discipleship: Pastors may employ these texts to underscore that the pursuit of wisdom in Christ surpasses professional advancement or financial gain. Intercanonical Connections Revelation 21 describes the New Jerusalem adorned with every kind of precious stone, signaling the consummation of the biblical theme: redeemed humanity, perfected and radiant, will itself become God’s treasured possession. Thus the temporal image of rubies ultimately finds fulfillment in the eternal city where wisdom and righteousness dwell. Christological and Eschatological Echoes The incomparable worth ascribed to wisdom anticipates the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus the Lord (Philippians 3:8). In Him are “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Therefore, the motif of rubies culminates in the gospel call to forsake earthly treasure for the pearl of great price, the kingdom of heaven itself (Matthew 13:45-46). In every appearance פָּנִין invites God’s people to recalibrate their valuations, esteeming the fear of the Lord, covenant loyalty, and the knowledge of Christ above the brightest gem earth can offer. Forms and Transliterations מִפְּנִינִ֑ים מִפְּנִינִ֔ים מִפְּנִינִ֣ים מִפְּנִינִֽים׃ מִפְּנִינִ֑ים מפנינים מפנינים׃ פְּנִינִ֑ים פנינים mip·pə·nî·nîm mippeniNim mippənînîm pə·nî·nîm peniNim pənînîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 28:18 HEB: וּמֶ֥שֶׁךְ חָ֝כְמָ֗ה מִפְּנִינִֽים׃ NAS: of wisdom is above [that of] pearls. KJV: of wisdom [is] above rubies. INT: and the acquisition of wisdom pearls Proverbs 3:15 Proverbs 8:11 Proverbs 20:15 Proverbs 31:10 Lamentations 4:7 6 Occurrences |
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