גָּבִישׁ
𐤂𐤁𐤉𐤔
gâbîysh
H1378 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A precious stone, particularly a transparent or crystalline mineral, most likely referring to crystal or rock crystal, and possibly to a substance resembling ice in clarity and appearance. In some contexts, it may denote a gem-like stone used ornamentally, but not necessarily 'pearl' in the modern sense. It is used metaphorically for brightness and clarity.
Semantic Range
crystal, rock crystal, transparent gem, clear precious stone; (metaphorically) brilliance, clarity
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root גבש (root uncertain), perhaps linked to a sense of 'clumping' or 'congealing', possibly by way of resembling frozen or crystallized matter. The exact verbal root is not attested in the Hebrew Bible, and the derivation is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גָּבִישׁ occurs only in poetic contexts (Job 28:18; Ezekiel 1:22) and appears to denote a transparent, crystalline substance. In Job 28:18, it is mentioned among precious stones, likely as clear quartz ('rock crystal'). In Ezekiel 1:22, it describes the dazzling expanse above the living creatures, emphasizing its brightness and crystalline nature. While some ancient and modern translations render it as 'pearl', archaeological and lexical evidence suggests 'crystal' (particularly natural, clear quartz) is more accurate for the biblical period. The association with freezing (ice) is derived from its appearance, not from a lexical root attested in the Hebrew Bible. English translations sometimes render this word as 'crystal', 'ice', or 'pearl', but 'crystal' best aligns with comparative material culture from the period. This term is distinct from other words for precious stones, such as פְּנִינִים (pearls/coral), and from חֶלֶד (agate/chalcedony); its context and usage reflect ancient Near Eastern classification of gemstones by appearance rather than by rigid mineralogical type.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root (probably meaning to freeze); crystal (from its resemblance to ice); pearl.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גבש (g-b-sh) — to congeal, to freeze, to lump together
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1378-01 |
וְ֭/גָבִישׁ | vegavish | HC/Ncmsa |
or crystal | rock crystal | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1378-01 |
Job 28:18 | וְ֭/גָבִישׁ | vegavish | HC/Ncmsa |
or crystal | rock crystal |