גָּבִישׁ (ga.vish)
ga.vish
crystal
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun gabiš refers to crystal, a substance prized in antiquity for its clarity and brilliance. In the Bible, this word appears only once, in Job 28:18, where it serves as a benchmark for value.
Job uses gabiš to illustrate the rarity of wisdom. The passage notes that no amount of gold, crystal, or fine glass can purchase true understanding. This single usage highlights how precious and elusive divine insight is compared to even the most refined materials known to the ancient world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for crystal appears just once in the Hebrew Bible, tucked into Job’s profound meditation on where we can find true wisdom. In that ancient context, crystal was a marvel of clarity and brilliance, yet even its shimmering value could not buy understanding. This single mention reminds us that some things are simply beyond price.
When life feels heavy or answers seem out of reach, it is easy to look for solutions in what we can see or hold. But Job points us toward something deeper. Wisdom does not come from wealth or visible treasures. It comes from a reverence for God that anchors the soul even when circumstances are unclear.
There is comfort in knowing that divine insight is not locked away behind a high cost. While crystal fades and gold tarnishes, the understanding that comes from fearing the Lord remains steady. You do not need to earn this peace; it is offered freely to those who seek it with honest hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ crystal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ֭/גָבִישׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Job 28:18
No mention will be made of coral or of crystal. Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies.
This verse uses crystal as a standard of high value to show that wisdom is even more rare and precious than the finest materials.